By John Corrado

This week, Sony Pictures Classics is releasing Jimmy’s Hall on Blu-ray.  Based on a true story, the drama follows freethinking socialist activist Jimmy Gralton (Barry Ward), who returns to his home country of Ireland amidst internal conflict in 1932, after ten years of exile in New York.

When he reopens the dance hall that made him a local hero amongst the youth, but got him kicked out of the country, Jimmy finds a fierce adversary in Father Sheridan (Jim Norton) and the building is aggressively challenged by the government and church, who see his progressive ideals as a threat to their overly traditional views.

Anchored by a nicely understated performance from Barry Ward, and a highly articulate screenplay, Jimmy’s Hall is sensitively brought to the screen by acclaimed director Ken Loach.  This is an engaging and nuanced look at the ongoing clash between progressive politics and the old school values of the church, rich with thought provoking and evenhanded sociopolitical themes that continue to carry important modern relevance, and are explored through an emotional lens.

The Blu-ray also includes a commentary track with actors Barry Ward and Simone Kirby, several deleted scenes and a “making of” featurette.

Jimmy’s Hall is 109 minutes and rated PG.