I, Daniel Blake

A very touching and sad film, and regrettably for me dealing with a subject matter that I am sympathetic towards. Cannes' golden oldie, Ken Loach, well known for his portrayals of working-class Northern England, has made a relevant and biting social commentary regarding Tory-instigated policies that squeeze the nation's honest, hardworking people; the Department for Work and Pensions; Job Centre staff; and the bureaucracy that governs it all. Dave Johns gives an outstanding performance as the titular character, and Hayley Squires (the UK's version of Mila Kunis; in appearance only) is also brilliant as she gives a raw supporting turn. Times are tough, and Loach with producer Rebecca O'Brien pull no punches as they outline in great detail the financial struggle that the working-class of England face. It's actually scary, and this comes across with dramatic heft as Blake's unfortunate situation unfolds.

Set in Newcastle, Daniel Blake, a widower and a joiner that has just had a heart attack and been laid off of work, is attempting to apply for support as he is advised not to work. The film unravels the hardship that people face when they are in genuine circumstances that need help. Long-winded processes, lack of common sense, a state that is out-of-touch with the common man, third-party "health professionals" etc. Daniel, while at the Job Centre, meets Katie, a 20-something single parent of two children. They form an unlikely yet touching friendship. Everything in the film is bang on. The script is also quite funny.

A