The Spirit Of '45 review

Ken Loach's timely celebration of the worthy achievements of the 1945 Labour administration

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Ken Loach's heartfelt documentary is a timely celebration of the worthy achievements of the 1945 Labour administration which, despite the country’s then-parlous economic situation, set up the NHS, nationalised major industries and embarked on an extensive programme of council house building.

Blending archival footage and oral testimonies from ‘ordinary’ citizens, The Spirit of ’45 is both partisan and insular in its analysis.

Yet it serves as a moving reminder of how, following the sacrifices of WW2, the British people collectively established a fairer society.

Tom Dawson
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