Worthy film comes off the rails

The 'navvies', inland navigators, first built the canals, then the railways. Ken Loach's film finds them navigating the switch to private ownership and was made at the time of Hatfield, released as Railtrack was wound up.

It's typical Loach, a solid cast give brilliant performances, while Loach lambasts companies whose mission statements are as ludicrous as their actions are shabby. Loach's message is clear - competition can't work in a system where co-operation is what's required. Sadly, facts have overtaken fiction. This DVD also contains a touching biog on Rob Dawber, the first-time screenwriter who died of cancer contracted while working for British Rail.

Verdict: Derailed.