When a tape containing confidential tape is handed to an American human rights activist, it's becomes his death warrant. After the man being assassinated in Belfast, it's remain for his police detective - girlfriend to uncover the truth.
There's plenty of evidence of Loach's undiminished power as a film-maker, and equally ample evidence that something is very rotten in the state of Northern Ireland.
Hidden Agenda could be accused of being dogmatic (Loach's films frequently slam the U.K. government), but the director keeps a sense of gritty authenticity throughout.