It’s remarkable to think that even in a country like the United Kingdom—often considered the birthplace of democracy—voting rights were limited for many men just two centuries ago, and large portions of cities lacked any political voice. Mike Leigh's approach can feel somewhat forceful at times, but he does provide moments of genuine sadness as we see the poverty experienced by working-class people in northwest England while those in power lived a life of luxury under the Prince Regent. Rory Kinnear portrays "Hunt," an influential speaker who journeys across the country promoting a peaceful shift in how authority is distributed. A visit to Manchester becomes a turning point for officials, clearly worried—and recalling events that occurred in Paris forty years prior—who feel these increasingly well-attended meetings need to be suppressed. Leigh has put together a cast of capable actors; there aren't any major stars, and this actually serves the story by emphasizing its focus on everyday people. I use the word "man" because women’s rights were far from being addressed, even though some of the strongest characters—"Mary," played by Rachel Finnegan, and "Nellie," portrayed by Maxine Peake—are primarily concerned with supporting their male counterparts. However, this film doesn't offer a sense of fairness regarding the historical context. It amplifies the apathy and extravagance of the wealthy landowners while presenting an overly simplistic view of those pushing for change. As is often the case with movies that attempt to analyze complex political situations, it ultimately reflects the director’s personal perspective, which is disappointing. This account of significant societal change could have been more impactful if the established order had received a bit more attention and hadn't been depicted in such a simplistic and critical manner. The dialogue occasionally possesses considerable strength, and the film has an undeniably authentic feel that history should remember, making it worthwhile to see.

Source on TMDB