This is a good Ken Loach film. Not sure what makes the difference; different production values; the Spanish language; the passion and idealism of the people in the anarchist militias, and of the peasants; the light. Anyway it has some really good scenes where people are debating the best way to carry forward the revolution and beat the fascists. It brings to life some of the things I’ve read in George Orwell about the divisions between the different left wing factions involved in the Spanish Civil war.

One funny bit is where the main character, Liverpudlian David Carr, who has now gone over to the communist side, aims at an anarchist sniper and hits an old lady’s shopping bag and then shouts “Sorry!”. It’s believable.

Thanks Coupland for the suggestion.