Peterloo turns significant moment in British history into a snooze movie that will have you out like a light

Been having trouble sleeping lately? Conventional methods of inducing slumber just not doing the trick? An effective solution is now close at hand, just get along to the next available session of Peterloo.

Been having trouble sleeping lately? Conventional methods of inducing slumber just not doing the trick?

An effective solution is now close at hand. Just get along to the next available session of Peterloo.

This 153-minute forensic re-examination of a forgotten page in Britain’s history books will put you out like a light in no time.

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Sumptuous cinematography and florid oratory are always to the fore in Peterloo.

It is August 1819, and aristocrats up and down the land are in danger of soiling their new satin breeches, such is the worry about a mass protest by the oppressed citizens of Manchester soon to take place at St Peter’s Field.

Infamously, a military eager to prove their worth to the powers-that-be is destined to open fire on the assembled crowd, killing 15 and mutilating hundreds more.

The tragic massacre was not just a significant moment in the evolution of modern British politics. It also later paved the way towards a motivated trade union movement which was duplicated around the world.

Though the significance of the incident will not be lost on viewers, many will resent the guileless and inert browbeating the movie uses to drive its point home.

The passion and connection of Peterloo is barely detectable.

The decision to delay depicting this saddening, maddening event until almost the two-hour mark of Peterloo is inexplicable.

Especially considering the unfathomable number of speeches about such hot-button topics as corn production and electoral roll procedures that have to be sat through to get there.

Sumptuous cinematography and florid oratory are always to the fore in Peterloo.

However, any combination of urgency, passion and connection is barely detectable.

Peterloo (M)

Director: Mike Leigh (Mr. Turner)

Starring: Rory Kinnear, Maxine Peake, Pearce Quigley, Karl Johnson.

Rating : ** (2 out of 5 stars)

Close your eyes and don’t think of England

For all things movies follow Leigh on Twitter: @leighpaatsch