Although it's gritty and kind of bleak, this is another enjoyable film from Ken Loach. Loach's old films never fail to amaze in that "I can't believe life was like that" kind of way. Even simple things, like the paper work and processes involved in looking for jobs and signing on have you shake your head in amazement at how things have changed (watching this reminded me of looking for jobs as a teen in the 90's and going through all those hand-written job vacancy notices, now replaced by electronic versions).
Seeing jobless people trying to make something of their lives in a harsh economic situation as it was in the 70's/80's is kind of bleak but this film was too interesting and is too good a document of the time to be depressing. The characters were good, the acting (as always with Loach films) is incredibly realistic and feels like you are watching real people. The directing and cinematography is great too.
Not as good as Riff Raff (my favourite Loach so far) or Kes but still very good and worth a watch.
Seeing jobless people trying to make something of their lives in a harsh economic situation as it was in the 70's/80's is kind of bleak but this film was too interesting and is too good a document of the time to be depressing. The characters were good, the acting (as always with Loach films) is incredibly realistic and feels like you are watching real people. The directing and cinematography is great too.
Not as good as Riff Raff (my favourite Loach so far) or Kes but still very good and worth a watch.