Hidden Agenda (1990)
* * * - Okay
I don't have the knowledge of the conflicts in Ireland that Ken Loach and his filmmakers have, so I admit to missing the shorthand people living closer to the troubles bring to the story. Loach doesn't try to explain things to outsiders, which is good because dumbing things down would be a miserable compromise. I'd rather have stuff go over my head and trust in the emotions of the characters then feel like I'm being lectured too. Still, Loach never quite marries his inner passion with its cop thriller wrapping. The investigation is interesting and very well-acted by Brian Cox in a rare chance to play lead, but while the geography is somewhat alien, the genre territory is fairly routine, including a deep throat informant and a scene where old men sip whisky, sit calmly and explain that this goes higher than anybody suspected.
I'm planning to watch a lot of Ken Loach and if this review sounds disappointing it's because I believe he is a very good director, but in this particular film his contribution is rather routine, as if a Hollywood producer tried to smooth him out into a mainstream craftsman. The result is a good film, especially in the acting, but I hoped for a little more greatness. The best moment of emotional connection comes from a musical performance inside an Irish Pub. The song is "The Ballad of Joe McDonnell."
And you dare to call me a terrorist, while you look down your guns,
When I think of all the deeds that you have done.
You have plundered many nations, divided many lands,
You have terrorised our people, you ruled with your iron hand,
And you brought this reign of terror to my land.