Rent Winstanley (1975)

Sharp and Perceptive Account of Forgotten Episode of History - Winstanley review by CV

This film is a true labour of love where funds were put up by the director and producer themselves, relying on a cast of amateurs bar one professional, where the inspirational content of the film was enough to forget any thought of commercial viability. And there was no compromise on authenticity of period detail either, even down to the employment of contemporary now-rare breeds of pig and chickens!

It is shot in black-and-white enhancing a historical quality and the somewhat deliberate delivery of dialogue and stiffness of manners of the amateur acting is so appropriate for the sobriety and severity of that post-Civil War age.

The bonus material is fascinating, an interview discussing how the film was made and it was quite heartening to see a powerful message, great cinematic and art override any desire for ready-profit.