Liam - Region 0 DVD

No startling revelations here, then--but the film is fuelled by McGovern's affection for his characters and his passionate anger at their plight. Stephen Frears' vivid and atmospheric direction makes the world of cramped grey terraced houses real and tangible, and skilfully builds the tension toward the final inevitable outburst of violence. And from his cast he draws performances of rare urgency. As Teresa, Megan Burns touchingly conveys the confusion of a young woman torn by conflicting loyalties and witness to emotions she can't quite grasp. But the film is held by Ian Hart as Tom, with his raw vulnerable face and indignant ears, crushing down his own gentler instincts as he's drawn towards fascism. As he marches down the street in his black shirt his twitchy strut--half guilty and half defiant--says it all. --Philip Kemp