FRIDAY MARCH 28th, 6:30pm
Bill Douglas’ historical epic, known for its lengthy production, finally hit the screens in 1987 and went somewhat unappreciated during its original limited theatrical run. Now having rediscovered critical interest, Douglas’ monumental film is rightfully being acknowledged for what it is, a unique and beautiful masterpiece – and proves Bill to be one of Britain’s finest auteurs.
Based upon the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, Comrades is a sweeping tale of their struggles as working-class citizens and their desire for a fair and equal working economy. Their protests lead to their deportation to Australia, before they were eventually pardoned due to mass grass-roots action from sympathisers. They are now regularly credited as being the catalyst for early union and workers’ rights movements.
Comrades is a visual spectacle that makes Douglas’ love for cinema obvious by the care he has taken to tell the story, and the many nods to the history of the medium by featuring different technologies from throughout the ages, many from his own collection. The character of The Lanternist is a unique catalyst for the audience to experience the story and gives an almost mystical feel to the film.
Douglas’ final film – there is something special about Comrades that demands it to be seen on the big screen.
Directed by: Bill Douglas
Rating: 18
Year: 1987
Runtime: 182 mins