Although thought-provoking and disturbing, this Falklands-aftermath film is undeniably and unremittingly grim. David Thewlis is first-rate as the young soldier, 'lost behind enemy lines', who, initially received home to a cautious hero's-welcome, soon finds himself branded as a deserter. His wimpy girlfriend shies away from his problems and he's left with no-one to turn to, but many to turn 'from'. Director Peter Greengrass assembles elements which, though individually all too awfully believable, don't completely convince when compressed into a whole. The film's also too slow towards the end, after an excellent first half, allowing audience sympathy to drain away, and many may find the brutality of the army scenes too much to bear. Good performances, especially from Thewlis as the agonised Kevin, beset by bloody Falklands nightmares, and from Rita Tushingham as his intelligent mum.


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