Review of Hidden Agenda

Introduction

A husband and wife team from America are investigating the infringement of human rights in Northern Ireland. They are concerned with the apparent `shoot-to-kill` policy of the RUC. Following up a lead, the husband receives a mysterious tape and goes to meet a Republican. Caught up in an ambush he is shot and killed by the security forces, who then try and cover up the nature of his death.

A senior police officer from the mainland is sent to investigate but is blocked by the defensive attitude of the RUC commander. He teams up with the American widow and they uncover a plot that may reach to the highest level of the Thatcher government.

This film was made in 1990 and set in the troubled streets of Northern Ireland. Directed by the uncompromising Ken Loach it stars Frances McDormand and Brad Dourif. Brian Cox plays Paul Kerrigan, the investigating officer seeking both sides of the stories. Jim Norton plays the RUC boss Brodie. (You may recognise Jim as the Bishop from Father Ted).

Video

A film made in 1990 is of reasonable quality but marked by some dirt and grain.
The action takes place at various locations around Northern Ireland. It opens on one of the more picturesque that people tend not to associate with the troubles but soon features more recognisable images from our recent past.

Audio

The mainly dialogue driven film has a musical soundtrack by Stewart Copeland which quite frankly is unmemorable.

Features

The original cinematic trailer for those that collect them.

Conclusion

What should be a tense and gripping thriller with the added backdrop of the troubles of Northern Ireland is a let down. Its didactic style with constant bookmarking of political points does not allow the proceedings to continue at a decent pace.

The level of acting is superior but the characters seem to exist in a vacuum failing to engage with the viewer.

The disc itself is a budget release with no extras other than a trailer and this is getting to be the boring norm. The quality of the print transfer is no more than average.

If you are a fan of Ken Loach or political thrillers you may wish to purchase this but for a really good political thriller choose ` Enemy of the State` or ` Defence of the Realm`.