The best bits are excellent, though a mid-section in which revolutionaries interminably discuss strategy seems to last about an hour.

But director Ken Loach has the sense to right the ship in time to head unerringly for the ending which previous events have dictated shall have the maximum impact.

David (Ian Hart), a Liverpudlian, enlists in a war that at first inspires a great and enduring spirit of camaraderie among its motley fighters.

But it is also a war that becomes increasingly confused and David finds ideals frustratingly lost, culminating in foolish and tragic confrontations between 'friendly' forces.

Loach's cries against injustice and oppression are effectively done, and less unsubtle than in some of his films.