Peterloo
Cert 12A, 154 minutes, in cinemas 2 November
Starring: Rory Kinnear, Maxine Peake, Neil Bell Director: Mike Leigh
THE PLOT In 1819, British forces attacked a peaceful protest – which had gathered to demand the reform of Parliament – at Manchester’s St Peter’s Field. Venerable director Mike Leigh presents an account of the build-up and the event dubbed the Peterloo Massacre. WHAT’S RIGHT WITH IT? This lovingly made and meticulous film illuminates a vital chapter in history,
focusing in particular on orator Henry Hunt (Kinnear), his Manchester hosts and a working class family attending the rally. WHAT’S WRONG WITH
IT? At two-and-a-half hours, this unapologetically detailed drama seems to demand more from the viewer than it gives in return.
VERDICT Leigh’s biggestbudget film to date probably won’t find him a whole new audience. HHH Charles Gant