Loach on form in strong and thoughtful 'Route Irish'

Director: Ken Loach

Cast: Mark Womack, John Bishop, Trevor Williams, Andrea Lowe

Loach has never been afraid to take sides where other moviemakers, tackling a political story, fudge and quibble and show a fearful desire not to offend … the excellent Loach almost always goes for it.

While this is not his best film – the script doesn’t deliver as strongly as it should – it is still a strong, thoughtful one that finds itself dealing in the murky world of cover-up, whitewash, black arts and political deviousness.

'Route Irish' sees a former soldier, Fergus, turned security contractor in Iraq (Womack) sets out to find the truth behind the death of a friend, Frankie (Bishop).

Set in Iraq and back in England, the title refers to the highly dangerous stretch of road from Bagdad to the Green Zone … a road littered with lies and betrayals, a road which Loach has never been afraid to travel.

Star Rating: 4/5