A young American lawyer, Paul Sullivan, travels to Northern Ireland to assist a client who is accused of terrorism. As he delves deeper into the case, Sullivan uncovers a conspiracy involving British intelligence services and the RUC. He finds himself caught in a dangerous web of political intrigue and violence, forcing him to question the true nature of justice and the hidden agenda at play.

Hidden Agenda received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often praising Ken Loach's characteristic social realism and the film's tense political thriller elements. However, some found the narrative occasionally dense and the pacing uneven. The film was noted for its unflinching portrayal of the Troubles and its controversial subject matter.

• Praised for its political relevance and Ken Loach's direct filmmaking style.
• Criticized by some for a complex plot and a somewhat bleak outlook.
• Considered a thought-provoking, if challenging, look at the Northern Ireland conflict.

Google audience: Audience reception for Hidden Agenda is not widely documented on Google. General sentiment suggests it is appreciated by those who enjoy Ken Loach's style and are interested in the political themes, though its intensity might not appeal to all.

The film won the Jury Prize at the 1990 Cannes Film Festival.

During its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, Hidden Agenda was met with a notable amount of controversy and protests due to its depiction of British security forces in Northern Ireland.