Review of I, Daniel Blake (2016) by Patrick A — 21 Oct 2016
British director Ken Loach offers up his new film I, Daniel Blake which is a masterclass of storytelling on life in poverty in a grim Newcastle setting. But don't let that put you off. The film does not feel sorry for itself nor pretentiously tries to tug at your heartstrings.
It serves up a realistic endearing story of the platonic friendship of Daniel Blake and Katie, a single Londoner mother of two children from two different fathers. The chance meeting of the two in an unemployment centre focuses on how difficult and flawed the social security benefits system is along with the callous patronising jobsworths that work in them.
People do laugh even when times are hard and from the very start of this film you'll be in stitches. The story of the human condition resonates clearly and it's hard not to love alongside strong performances from the entire cast.
The film won the Palme D'or award at this years Cannes and rightly so. Not sure about the Oscars but this most certainly has thrown down the gauntlet as a strong contender for Best British film at the BAFTA's.
My rating: 5 out of 5. Solid.
This review of I, Daniel Blake (2016) was written by Patrick A on 21 Oct 2016.
I, Daniel Blake has generally received very positive reviews.
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