Office: (519) 913-0312 Info:(519) 913-0313

Peterloo

A drama about the infamous 1819 Manchester massacre, which killed an estimated 18 protesters and injured up to 700.

"Mike Leigh does modern real life better than arguably any of his British director peers – his most acclaimed films have been contemporary social comedies such as High Hopes and Life Is Sweet. But he’s just as capable when he turns the clock back, as he proves with Peterloo, the heartbreaking story of a massacre in Manchester in 1819. Stricken by famine and unemployment, locals staged a peaceful pro-democracy rally at St Peter’s Field. Magistrates sent in an armed cavalry. Hundreds were injured and 15 killed, including children.

It’s a horrific and under-reported part of British history, and the knowledge of what is to come hangs over the film’s early scenes as Leigh systematically sets up the key characters. These include left-wing orator Henry Hunt (Rory Kinnear), magistrate Rev Etlhelson (Vincent Franklin), and mother Nellie (Maxine Peake), who can barely feed her children but is told the rally will be a lovely day out. All put in terrific performances and Peake’s small role feels like the heart of the film – a loving woman whose family is paying the price for a parliament that’s cruelly neglecting its people.

True to Mike Leigh form, no one is glamorized for the big screen. Skin is ruddy and characters’ teeth look as bad as one imagines they might have been. Leigh manages moments of his trademark humour, thanks to Hunt’s vanity, but this is a grim tale with a message that is deeply relevant to today." – Anna Smith, Metro U.K.

"With this richly intelligent, passionate movie Mike Leigh has fought a brilliant rearguard action on history's political battlefield. 5/5*" - Peter Bradshaw, Guardian

"This is historical re-creation on an epic scale. Yet it's a down-to-earth epic, with a density of detail that's stirring in its humanity and frightening in its clarity about miscalculations on both sides." - Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal

"Even if you've never heard of the Peterloo Massacre, this picture-beautifully staged and shot, with a you-are-there urgency-will reward your patience." - Stephanie Zacharek, TIME Magazine

Virtual cinema: 
Showtimes: 

No screenings currently scheduled.

Directed by: 
Mike Leigh
Running Time: 
154m
Country(ies): 
UK
Year: 
2019
Language: 
English
Starring: 
Rory Kinnear, Maxine Peake, Neil Bell
Screenplay by: 
Mike Leigh
Rated: 
PG-13

Another U7 Solutions - Web-based solutions to everyday business problems. solution.