Review of South Riding

I thought that i would review this film as both the previous reviews come from the States.The first point i would make is that South Riding is that there is no such area as South Riding.East West and North yes,but South no.The most interesting aspect of the film for me was its insight into Local Government of that era.My late father was a councillor in London in the 50s and 60s and was fully aware of and fought against the corruption within local government as highlighted in this film.The backhanders and insider dealing were rampant.The Government finally had to act after the Poulson affair.To me the most interesting aspect of the film is the ambiguity in the characters.Richardson is clearly a Conservative with a capital C.Clements is clearly a Socialist.However in the end both act as if they belonged to the opposite party.I have not seen this film for well over 20years and i have to say i was surprised at just how good it was.I could not believe my eyes when is aw at the end that Richardsons daughter was played by none other than a very young Glynis Johns.