The Wind That Shakes The Barley
Rental/£19.99, Pathé

If you can get past the knee-jerk reaction that this is just another piece of English-bashing then you'll find plenty to enjoy in this film. Set in 1920s Ireland, Ken Loach's Cannes-winner tells a bleak tale that no one really comes out of looking heroic or noble. We can assume that the Black and Tans, the British soldiers brought in to control the area, were good family men and nice to their mothers, but we don't need to see it as far as this film is concerned. Instead, we get a story of rebellion in occupied territory that could apply to almost any situation. Cillian Murphy reverts to his natural Cork accent as Damien, a young man unable to continue his medical training after an old friend is brutally beaten to death by troops.

A small pocket of resistance is assembled, gradually finding kindred spirits despite the dreadful consequences of their actions. There is no glory or calming of anger to be gained from what they accomplish. Loach displays a responsible approach to violence, showing its impact and dreadful consequences. This is an expertly executed piece of film-making, one that deserves to be seen more widely now that it doesn't depend on the 30 or so UK cinemas that were brave enough to show it on its meagre theatrical release.

Also out

Mission Impossible

Another not-that-impossible action outing for Tom Cruise.

· Rental/£19.99/£24.99, Paramount

LoudQUIETloud: A Film About Pixies

Chronicle of the great band's rise, fall and recent reunion.

· £14.99, Plexi

Warrior King

Thai action hero Tony Jaa defies thieves and physical laws to get back his elephant.

· £14.99, Premier Asia

Female Convict Scorpion

Astounding Japanese art-exploitation revenge thriller from 1972.

· £18.99, Eureka

The West Wing - The Complete Series

Seven years with the Bartlet administration.

· £189.99, Warner