If...

Let's make this very clear from the start. Do not come and see this film if you are an easily impressionable person. We do not want to be held responsible for people going on machine gun toting rampages around campus. For those of you who are somewhat more sound of mind, read on...

If... is the legendary anti-establishment masterpiece from British director Lindsay Anderson. The film revolves around a pre-Clockwork Orange Malcolm Macdowell and his dissatisfaction with the elitist structure of the boarding school where he resides. Much as those in power try to suppress the young lads rebellious instincts the thrashings and punishments soon start having the opposite effect and soon everything starts becoming very bloody and very messy.

If... was an explosive event in film history upon it's release over thirty years ago with it's depiction of youthful uprising and the anarchic slaughter of those in positions of power and respect and it remains potent to this day. Shot in an inexplicable mix of colour and black and white the film is a eulogy to the revolutionary spirit of the sixties and seventies that fortiuitously spares us the cringe worthy stoner ramblings that mar contemporary films such as Easy Rider.

Many classic films seem ponderous, obvious or just plain stupid when viewed. However If... has managed to remain a limited enough cult to avoid it's genius being destroyed by a thousand poor imitations. Put simply this is a film that you should make a point of seeing, no ifs, no buts.

David Goody