Peterloo Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of northerners get together for a picnic, but the posh southerners bring swords instead of sandwiches.

🍿 Peterloo: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Post-Waterloo Hardships

The film opens in 1819, following the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. Joseph, a young soldier, returns home to Manchester, finding widespread poverty, unemployment, and high food prices exacerbated by the Corn Laws. The working class struggles to survive, while the wealthy elite remain detached and indifferent.

The Rise of Reform Movements

Amidst the economic hardship, reform movements begin to emerge, advocating for parliamentary reform and greater representation for the working class. These movements gain momentum as people recognize that their lack of political voice contributes to their suffering. Figures like Samuel Bamford and groups like the Manchester Observer (a precursor to The Guardian) become central to the growing unrest.

The Peterloo Massacre

The reform movement culminates in a mass gathering at St. Peter’s Field in Manchester, where thousands assemble to hear orator Henry Hunt speak. However, local magistrates, fearing unrest, order the Yeomanry and Hussars to disperse the crowd. The resulting charge leads to a brutal massacre, with numerous deaths and injuries, shocking the nation and galvanizing the reform movement.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Henry Hunt (Rory Kinnear): A charismatic yet self-important orator who advocates for political reform and speaks at the Peterloo rally.
• Nellie (Maxine Peake): A working-class woman struggling with poverty who supports the reform movement.
• Samuel Bamford (Neil Bell): A radical activist and writer who is involved in organizing the Peterloo rally.
• Joseph (David Moorst): A traumatized Waterloo veteran who returns home to poverty and witnesses the Peterloo Massacre.
• Lord Liverpool (Robert Wilfort): The Prime Minister of Britain who represents the government’s opposition to reform.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Prince Regent: “I know what is good for my people better than they know themselves!” – Expresses the arrogance and disconnect of the ruling class from the needs of the common people.
• Samuel Bamford: “We shall meet as one, and show them what the people truly desire.” – Highlights the determination of the reformers to peacefully demonstrate their demands for political representation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $19,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $151,971
• Worldwide Gross: $2,159,214

💥 Peterloo Reviews

Personal Review

I found Peterloo incredibly moving, especially knowing so little about the event beforehand. The massacre scene was truly shocking and left me feeling deeply disturbed. It’s a long movie, but it made me think about the importance of democracy and the sacrifices people made to fight for it. Maxine Peake was brilliant, as always. The accents were very hard to understand at times. Overall, a tough but important watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “History buffs”
  • “Fans of British historical dramas”
  • “Those interested in political and social reform movements”
  • “Fans of director Mike Leigh”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Historical violence”
  • “Disturbing scenes of the massacre”
  • “Some coarse language”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Mike Leigh’s ‘Peterloo’ is a powerful and moving portrayal of a pivotal moment in British history. While the film’s length and focus on political speeches may test some viewers’ patience, the climactic massacre is undeniably impactful.
• Empire Magazine: “Peterloo is a worthy, if somewhat dry, historical drama. Leigh captures the atmosphere of the time, but the sheer number of characters and the lack of a clear narrative focus detract from the film’s overall impact.
• Sight & Sound: “Mike Leigh reconstructs the Peterloo Massacre with meticulous detail, emphasizing the social and political context. The film’s commitment to historical accuracy makes it valuable, although some may find the pacing slow.

Audience Reactions

The powerful depiction of the massacre left viewers stunned and emotionally affected.: Many praised the film for its historical accuracy and its ability to bring an important event to life, making them want to learn more.

Some viewers appreciated the film’s focus on political speeches and debates.: Others found them tedious and repetitive, impacting their overall enjoyment.

Overall Consensus: Peterloo is a historically significant film that vividly depicts a tragic event, although its length and heavy reliance on dialogue may deter some viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was released to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre.”
• “Director Mike Leigh is known for his extensive research and improvisational approach, working closely with the actors to develop their characters.”
• “Filming took place in various locations in northern England, including Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, to recreate the historical setting of Manchester.”

🖥️ How to Watch Peterloo?

As of October 2024, “Peterloo” is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video. Check local listings for availability on streaming services such as Hulu or Netflix.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Peterloo, you might like these similar films:

• Mr. Turner (2014): Directed by Mike Leigh, shares a similar historical and artistic approach to depicting 19th-century England.
• Suffragette (2015): Focuses on the struggle for women’s suffrage in early 20th-century Britain, highlighting themes of political activism and social injustice.
• The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006): Depicts the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War, exploring themes of rebellion against British rule and the fight for self-determination.
• 1917 (2019): Offers a visceral and immersive depiction of historical events with meticulous attention to detail, similar to Peterloo’s attempt to recreate a specific moment in time.

🛒 Peterloo Related Products

• Peterloo (DVD): Own the gripping historical drama on DVD and delve into the making of the film with exclusive bonus content, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• The Peterloo Massacre: A People’s History: Discover the complete illustrated historical account of the Peterloo Massacre. Delve deeper into the social, political, and cultural context of the event, enhancing your understanding of the film’s themes.
• Peterloo Massacre Commemorative Poster: Own a high-quality commemorative poster featuring key artwork from the movie, celebrating this poignant moment of British history. An ideal decoration for any cinephile’s living space.
• Peterloo Inspired Manchester T-Shirt: Show your love for the Peterloo movie. Celebrate the legacy of Peterloo and the spirit of Manchester with a unique and stylish graphic tee that captures the spirit of the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Peterloo features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Triumph of Albion” – performed by Traditional English Folk Song
• “British Grenadiers” – performed by Traditional Military March

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Peterloo reviewed by Mark Kermode

Want to know what the critics thought of ‘Peterloo’? Mark Kermode gives a thorough review, and he really gets into the historical context. It’s a great watch if you’re curious about the film’s deeper themes!

✨ Rate