Black Jack (1979)

 

A French sailor escapes hanging and teams up with young Stephen Hirst and, late Louise Coope a young girl committed by her parents for her eccentric behaviour.

From memory: Endearing and charming children's adventure convinces with a good cast, excellent period details and especially Chris Menges' beautiful cinematography. 

Halliwell (no star): "The purpose of this costume adventure, from these creators, is obscure, but the execution of it is muddled and amateurish."

 

 

Land and Freedom (1995)

David is an unemployed communist that comes to Spain in 1937 during the civil war to enroll the republicans and defend the democracy against the fascists. He makes friends between the soldiers.

Fervent, realistic and distressing depiction of revolutionary idealism and its disillusionment in the face of conflicting factions and realpolitik.

Halliwell***: "An engrossing and passionate account of the Spanish Civil War, as experienced on an individual level, which is framed by a death in present-day Liverpool in an attempt to point up the contemporary relevance of its story of a revolution betrayed."

Maltin***: "Perceptive, passionate account...Rich human drama of political idealism and reality, if a bit too moralistic at times."

Looking for Eric (2009)

Eric, a football fanatic postman whose life is descending into crisis, receives some life coaching from the famously philosophical Eric Cantona.

Likable and heartwarming social comedy with a lively ensemble.

Maltin***: "Likable, and lighter than most Loach fodder, but not without his usual bleak stamp."

Ken Loach