Loach’s Irish tale of battling firebrand

JIMMY’S HALL (12A)

Dir: Ken Loach With: Andrew Scott, Barry Ward Runtime: 109 minutes

★★ JUST off the plane from Cannes comes Ken Loach’s latest drama. This one deals with the true tale of Jimmy Galton, a young firebrand who dared to take on church and state in depression era Ireland by opening a hall where local folk could dance, learn, sing, and otherwise better themselves or just have some fun. Barry Ward does a fine job of playing the socialist taking on the establishment, and Loach captures the era’s oppressive atmosphere convincingly. That said, Jimmy’s Hall is rather a muesli viewing experience. While it is probably good for a body in a general sort of way, and there are some moreish nuggets, it is hard work to chomp through.

LOOKING FOR LIGHT: JANE BOWN (CTBC)

Dirs: Luke Dodd, Michael Whyte Runtime: 90 minutes

★★★★ THIS gentle but probing look at the life, times, and work of the Observer photographer Jane Bown is a must-see for any admirer of the artform. Like Bown’s black and white studies over the years it is an exercise in pared down simplicity. Bown is fascinating as she describes how she manages to get the best out of subjects ranging from Samuel Beckett and Tom Hanks to Bjork and the Queen, while all the while staying quietly in the background. Glasgow Film Theatre, June 3-4; Cameo, Edinburgh, from June 6; Filmhouse, June 9-16

MUSICWOOD (N/C 12+)

Dir: Maxine Trump Runtime: 80 minutes

★★★ SHOWING as part of the UK Green Film Festival is Maxine Trump’s impressive documentary about a fight to preserve the Alaskan rainforest. The starting point is guitars, made from precious woods such as Sitka spruce. Greenpeace brings together the guitar makers and the Native American owners of the land in the hope that a way can be found to preserve the forest. Trump does well to stick with a complex battle. Glasgow Film Theatre, June 4, 6.15pm