Land and Freedom

Land and Freedom Movie Poster Country France Germany Italy Spain United Kingdom Directed by Ken Loach Release Date October 6, 1995 Language Catalan English Spanish Distributor Gramercy Pictures Main Cast Character Actor David Carr Ian Hart Blanca Rosana Pastor Bernard Goujon Frédéric Pierrot Lawrence Tom Gilroy Maite Icíar Bollaín

Land and Freedom is a 1995 drama directed by Ken Loach (The Wind That Shakes the Barley). In 1936, the young English Communist Dave Carr decided to fight against Franco's fascists on the side of the Republicans in the Spanish Civil War. But he quickly realizes that there are no heroes in the war and that idealism falls by the wayside. Even some of his comrades prefer internal power struggles rather than fighting for freedom. Dave finds hope in his great love, Militia member Blanka.

The following weapons were used in the film Land and Freedom:

Pistols

Astra 400

The Astra 400 is used by officers of the Republicans including Juan Vidal (Marc Martínez) and the Nationalists.

Astra 400 - 9 x 23mm Bergmann / Largo

Vidal gives a sign with his pistol to attack the village.

He takes cover before the attack.

During the attack he fires his Astra at two Nationalists.

An International Brigades officer fires a warning shot.

Rifles

Spanish Mauser 1916

The 1916 Spanish Mauser is the most used rifle by the main characters including David Carr (Ian Hart), Blanca (Rosana Pastor) and Bernard Goujon (Frédéric Pierrot). Franco's Nationalists and Republicans forces like the POUM militia are armed with these rifles as well. Bernard references it as a "Mauser 1896" and it's better to use a big stick instead of these rifles.

M1916 Spanish Mauser - 7x57mm Mauser. Note bent bolt handle and tangent leaf sight.

Juan:"You got the rifles?"
Bernard:"Yes! Antiques, German Mauser 1896. Single load."
Juan Vidal examines a Mauser rifle from the weapons delivery.

David aims his Mauser from the trench.

During the assault on the village he takes cover.

Close up of the rear sights. Note the early 1st-pattern M1916 Lange Visier.

Maite with her rifle during a briefing. Note the stepped barrel.

David describes the rifle to new recruits.

Spanish Mauser 1893

Some 1893 Spanish Mauser rifles used by the Nationalists and Republicans. Police forces in Barcelona also can be seen with these rifles.

1893 Spanish Mauser - 7x57mm Mauser

Dani carries two full length Mauser rifles captured from a Nationalist patrol.

Full view of the rifles.

A Nationalist fires his Mauser at advancing Republicans.

Mosin Nagant M91/30

Soviet Mosin Nagant M91/30 rifles used by some Militia members.

Soviet Mosin Nagant M91/30 - 7.62x54mm R

A Militia member carries a Mosin Nagant on the left.

A member of the International Brigades holds his Mosin next to David.

The Mosin Nagant is held by a Republican.

Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk.I

An anachronistic Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk 1* rifle is briefly seen during the assault on the village. It may stand for the No.1 Mk.III predecessor or a Pattern 1914 Enfield supplied by the British.

Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk.I - .303 British

The SMLE seen on the left.

Spanish Mauser 1895 Carbine

What appears to be a Spanish Model 1895 Mauser Carbine can be seen held by a Militia member.

1895 Spanish Mauser Carbine - 7x57mm Mauser

Second from the left. Note the front sight that is different from an M1916.

The carbine in the background right.

Machine Guns

Ckm wz.30

Polish Ckm wz.30 machine guns are used by both factions.

Ckm wz.30 with tripod - 8x57mm IS

The Ckm manned by a Militia member in a trench.

Left view of another Ckm.

Close up of the ammo belt next to Maite.

Militia member opens the top cover.

The MG lies on the table which offers a view of the muzzle brake.

An Ckm in a Nationalist trench.

Vickers Mk1

A Militia member is seen carrying a Vickers Machine Gun.

Vickers Mk1 Machine Gun - .303 British

The Vickers being carried.

Grendades

Unknown Grenade

Unknown Grenades are used in the movie which could be British Mills Bombs.

The Militia member in the foreground throws a grenade.