The Spirit of '45

The Spirit of ’45 really worked for me. Ken Loach looks back at the extraordinary sense of possibility that existed in Britain after the war, when there was a genuine belief that society could be rebuilt to work better for ordinary people. What I liked most is hearing people talk about what those changes actually meant to them, from housing and healthcare to work and basic dignity. There is obviously a political argument running through the film, but it was the personal memories that stayed with me. It is inspiring in places, rather sad in others, particularly knowing how much of what was created would later be dismantled. As someone who grew up in Britain, there was something especially affecting about looking back at where so many of the institutions I took for granted actually came from.

It's a fascinating piece of history. It's relevant even today and am really greatful to have a copy. It's informative enough to justify multiple viewings.

We need this in the US

This release was a random buy but a pleasant discovery. It attempts to describe the movement to rebuild great Britain after WWII. I wish some of that spirit could be revived today. Excellent audio and video transfer.

Fascinating time capsule of the rise and fall of the English welfare state. This documentary really has the energy of your friend who thinks they can go off their medication now that they've balanced things out, only to spiral again when they're off. The landscape of pre-war Britain and the way the social services lifted the country up afterward, only to have it all crumble again, feels as relevant now as ever.