I, Daniel Blake reviewed by Mark Kermode

[@glyph2011]

I saw this today. The audience laughed in unison. The audience sobbed in unison. I was horrified, moved and angered. This is such an important film. And thank god loach made it.

[@poppyfield1619]

You said everything I wanted to say - Thank you

[@simpleexplodingmaybe]

That foodbank is a real foodbank. Vice made a documentary about it. At the time it was the most used foodbank in Britain. I used to know one of the volunteers who now works there. That scene absolutely crushed me.

[@woofian]

Agreed! Absolutely knocked me for six. Excellent film

[@sceneonscreen7748]

Good fact that.

[@sugargretel1077]

simpleexplodingmaybe It's still the busiest food bank in the UK.

[@timothyw98]

What made the scene work for me was the build up then comes the shock with her opening the tin of beans.

[@poppyfield1619]

I saw the film last night and was in tears for most of it. To see people treated like they were was truly shocking. Dan's speech at the end was extremely powerful "I am not a customer, a service user. I am a citizen"

[@WeegieMovies]

I, Daniel Blake is without a doubt one of the most important films of the last 10, 15, 20 years. It's not an easy watch. It's not an enjoyable watch. But Jesus Christ it's a necessary watch for anyone who sees film as more than just whatever Marvel puts out next.

[@redlightmax]

+WeegieMovies Yep, I was getting Marvel fatigue and wanted to see something real. _I, Daniel Blake_ was the perfect antidote.

[@Broomehall]

Whilst I do not agree with many of the Labour Party policies, and think Corbynism and Momentum are the worst thing to beset the party in years, I have to say although dramatised, I Daniel Blake was a very real depiction of policy, personalities, and an "I'm all right society" that quite frankly we should be incredibly ashamed of ..... no matter which party we support, The inhumanity and sense of abandonment is shocking, made more so because it's such an accurate and powerful piece of film making.

[@imevaorwhatever9329]

I'm studying this film along with Black Panther and what you just said proved many points for my class haha

[@stephenallman2777]

A brilliant film. Ken Loach holds a mirror up to expose the inner workings of our modern, selfish, greedy, finger pointing society but is still able to show how we as individuals can be caring and loving as well. I don't expect a film to change society but it can certainly ask questions of it and this is exactly what it does.I think it will prove to be a classic.

[@celestialteapot3310]

l feel sorry for anyone who's shallow, narrow minded and downright evil enough to criticise this brilliant film which will be remembered for years to come

[@bomberbinz]

Watching that clip reminds me of signing on. I also know people who have had to battle the points system whom suffer disabilities because of a flawed system. I've also been homeless with absolutely no money. Only through the kindness of a friend who took me in did I not end up on the streets. I have also tried to end it and been put in a mental hospital. I managed to sort myself out through help and am now working and have a roof over my head. I also consider myself lucky to have these things, there are people much worse of then I am and I do not forget. People who call this film depressing may be right, but being in those situations are depressing. The tone of that single clip was bang on.

[@comanchio1976]

Michael Cox 100% agree, mate. Hope you're still doing alright!

[@SadBirbHours]

I did a 2 month mandatory work experience in a job centre. The level of contempt the staff held those on benefits in was nothing short of monstrous, especially towards ethnic minority's. It was a very difficult 2 months...

[@TheGeneralDisarray]

britbloc123 sorry that seems to be a blanket racist statement which does nothing but prove the previous commenter right

[@craighicksartwork]

Specifically, what ethnic minorities? Give me a list of entire communities who take everything in order of greed.

[@comanchio1976]

+britbloc123 No doubt that there are people like that, but there are horrible people of every ethnicity. It may even be, for cultural reasons, that there are a disproportionate number of nasty people from one particular ethnic group or community. But what you're doing, is lumping individual people from diverse ethnic groups together, as if they are one person, or that they are all nasty by default - which is ignorant and absurd. You aren't being called out as a racist, for any stupid kind of 'white knight' reasons - it's because what you're saying bigoted and racist. I'd say the same thing to a black person who thinks that all white people are racists, and in fact I have.

[@comanchio1976]

+britbloc123 I didn't say, nor even suggest that it was an excuse. My objection was, that you were treating all individuals in all ethnic minority groups as if they were acting and thinking as one person. It's unfortunate that I have to repeat the point. Maybe you just don't understand what the problem is with that kind of thinking, especially when you buy into the paranoid delusion of a "takeover" in 20 years.

[@wendybrockmann7688]

So, you've spent years working with "these people" as you so put it, please tell us in what professional capacity this was conducted in? It appears from your comments that you have nothing but utter contempt for ethic minorities, which would therefore undermine your judgement regarding professional decision making. It is astounding that an individual such as yourself, could be placed in a position of authority . There are many good people of various ethnicity who contribute to humanity such as, doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, engineers, social workers, teachers etc, etc throughout the UK. I am afraid your bigoted attitude displays a far greater problem within you, than it does with ethnic minorities within this country. One begs to question how many people of ethnic descent you have become friends with over your many years of "experience" with "these people." maybe enough to count on one finger? I do hope your eureka moment hits soon and you realise all human beings of any ethnicity have the capacity to do good deeds or bad deeds, it's not connected to race, religion or colour, but to kindness, consideration, humanity and compassion.

[@Captain_Rhodes]

that jobcentre scene is exactly whats its like. looks like a good movie

[@lebellees-double-you2827]

Finally watched the film, and it struck a chord. Happened to my Uncle 7 years ago. He had his leg amputated at 60 years old. He was an illiterate builder, who has only worked outdoors with his hands, climbing up and down scaffolding all his life. After losing his leg, he couldnt work outside anymore. He was told that he was "fit to work." after a test which involved him, dragging his body across the room on crutches. The reality was that although his mind was amazing, who was going to employ a 60 year old man for a sit-down desk job that couldnt read or write. After paying taxes all his life, he got zero help in his time of need.

[@RatedRMatt]

I have never cried more, been moved more and been motivated to go out and make a difference more by a film than I, Daniel Blake. This movie based in a all too real world is what families have to go through on a daily bases in this country and it's absolutely sickening

[@ElTagno]

That scene in the Job Centre is very accurate.

[@Fluffyudders]

The whole film is very accurate.

[@damianjones4012]

As someone who used to work in this environment, unfortunately the scenes in this film are very realistic.

[@bobbuilder7227]

iain duncan smith. radio4. said "the film has got it all wrong" lol a man firmly based in a different reality

[@bridgethighton2941]

bob builder ooh yes he will have his shoes shined for him and won't understand working class people working for measly pay whilst the rich keep rolling it in the rich beginnings they come from have been earned by the working class

[@rc5759]

It was, in fact, so right it hurt. To everyone who has been on the end of this post Duncan-Smith's spiteful vendetta, this film is horrible to watch, yet a brilliant testament to the predicament. Thank you Ken Loach for showing a system destined to persecute you as you reach your lowest ebb.

[@jeanetteascough6831]

After seeing this powerful film last night, I couldn't sleep because I couldn't shake out of my head the cruelty of the society that we have been politically driven towards by the austerity narrative of "our" politicians, and which has produced, in our allegedly 5th richest country in the world a degradation of it's peoples who most need compassion, help, and respect. Loach is correct when he uses the term"conscious cruelty" to describe the manipulations of the powerful who are fully responsible for the demeaning of a so called "civilised democracy". I will never forget this film ever, The audience were on it's feet applauding at the end.

[@007JHS]

Good on you!

[@bridgethighton2941]

Jeanette Ascough that's where the blame lies with people like Osborne who openly showed his contempt for the working class who did not have opportunity to go to boarding schools and meet friends like camron

[@TheElixir007]

My gosh, Kermode is genuinely moved by this film... can see him holding back tears..

[@KartikeyaDutta]

I bawled at the bathroom scene

[@emmasamways3368]

Apparently Job Centre staff are complaining that this portrays them in a bad light, oh the violins.They decided to be like that

[@AndyGait]

Very late to the party I know, but I watched the film for the first time last night. I have to say that the parts that didn't ring true for me were the job centre scenes. I've spent many years on benefit (ill health) and had many, many trips to the job centre/DWP. I have never been, or seen others, treated in the way that people are in this film. I've always been treated with respect and given all and any help when needed. I was always offered help with forms, although it wasn't needed, and when claiming JSA I was never told that my efforts at finding work weren't good enough or to prove that I'd done what I claimed.

[@GrahamWalters]

@@AndyGait I had similar experince to Dawniel Blake, I was deemd unfit for work by my Doctor and a Psychatrist because of mental health issues. I was sent to a sports injury clinic for my asessment ! teh whole thing was a farce. On returning to the JC I was told I was fit for work, I was refused an appeal. As part of the JC process I went through the same thing and was tolsd I had to apply for 20 jobs a week, even if I wasn't qualified for them.

[@AndyGait]

@@GrahamWalters I don't understand why you were refused an appeal? I've had many assessments over the years and all but one (which went in my favour) have gone to appeal. After a work assessment, you apply for a "mandatory reconsideration". If that doesn't work, you then go to a tribunal.

[@GrahamWalters]

@@AndyGait I went through the whole process, even paid for signed statements from my GP and Psychiatrist to say I was unfit for work, but was refused ESA and put on Jobseekers, then was hounded to apply for jobs, any jobs, whether I was qualified to do them or not.

[@AndyGait]

@@GrahamWalters Did you contact Citizen Advice? I have every time and they've been brilliant in helping out with appeals and tribunals.

[@sicario1375]

This quote about 'non existent jobs' is the job centre is definitely something I both agree and sympathise with. I was unemployed in 2010 till early 2011 and was extremely angry at the job centre who kept making a professional like me apply for jobs to and lowering my value. All the jobs they were trying to make me apply for did not exist.

[@Thirdfish]

Brilliant review from MK, such a great powerful film. Ken Loach is a master film maker, the world needs more like him.

[@ysgol3]

I saw it tonight and it's even better than I anticipated. EVERYBODY should see this film, especially schoolchildren who can discover something deeply true about the injustices of our society, instead of the garbage that MOST OF (not all of) the National Curriculum vomits over them.

[@callumsutherland2954]

My school actually does show I, Daniel Blake as part of some courses.

[@Fynch08]

Mark Kermode is awesome

[@notabot835]

this is true

[@cptskellern]

The best reviewer.

[@eddenoy321]

fayelynch08 Sadly there are few good movies that are worth a review anymore.

[@Pburg_SD]

I haven't seen this yet but I was almost in tears just from the trailer. This is a situation I've witnessed and experienced first hand. People being treated like they are worthless; like they are less than zero. Can't wait to watch the whole film.

[@theviper1999uk]

Ken Loach is just the best.

[@backfromcuba]

(some) people here are upset because they don't like the reality portrayed in this film - you (commentors) aren't evil people, but you know this is a result of policy by government you voted for... this causes cognitive dissonance, then lashing out with angry and emotional KZbin comments..

[@ZeppoM]

His films are not 'reality' though, that is one of the criticisms. Just because some people don't like his films and have different opinions to you doesn't make them angry or emotional. I didn't vote for this (or the last) government, and they did not create these problems, you can thank years of government (Lab and Con-Lib) borrowing, interference and overreach for this.

[@backfromcuba]

+Zeppo M I said portrayal, not documentary. the extremely punitive system we have now is a relatively recent thing under this (Tory) government.

[@ZeppoM]

Well, come up with an alternative because we can't go back to spending money we don't have and creating a future economic disaster.

[@SuperMunkeh]

Zeppo M - Zeppo M - You honestly believe the benefits system was the cause of the deficit and not the bankers who brought about the worldwide financial crash? I am a welfare rights worker in Liverpool, this stuff is reality. I speak to people week in, week out who are living this reality.

[@backfromcuba]

+Zeppo M running a country is not the same as running a household budget. but budgeting IS about choosing where to allocate funds. this system is not the only way.

[@18cwood]

What an excellent, detailed, informative review by MK. Almost as impressive as the film itself! Great stuff!

[@Me-ip7tt]

I went to see it such a great film, half the audience in the cinema clapped at the end of it

[@jazzygm]

Probably not, because although it's a bit 'leftie' as you say, it's still a very good, very well acted, film. Not everything you watch has to reinforce your personal political views to be good

[@stephendunmore9567]

So in your world being a 'leftie' is someone who has compassion and empathy for the chronically disabled , mentally ill , homeless people and OAPs on low fixed incomes. Is there any human compassion in people who now think caring , kindness and compassion and empathy are now emotions only lefties' experience?

[@eddiegremlin]

If you represent the "moral" majority, god help the earths population..

[@benanstruther]

i da same! People clapped at my screening

[@Me-ip7tt]

Ben Anstruther Good to hear 👍

[@ElliotCoen]

A highly important film. Like Mark said, one of Loach's best. I've got a video on it too for anyone interested.

[@RICHARDGRANNON]

The food bank... :(

[@bobbyladd]

Best film of the year for me so far. Not the sort of film I'd normally seek out but I got a free preview a few weeks ago. I gladly paid for the ticket when I saw it for a second time.

[@NorfolkEnchants]

I still don't know whether I can watch this film or not. I say this as the daughter of someone who has MS, Osteo and Rheumatoid arthritis, Tri Geminal Neuralgia and diabetes, amongst other conditions which if I list it would fill up the whole page. She was granted High rate care and mobility allowance for life under the old system, under the new one she was called in for a medical last June and got granted High rate care allowance but zero mobility allowance. We took the case to tribunal and in January she got granted the lower rate of mobility allowance along with the high rate care indefinitely. Since then she has been put on new medication and a scan has revealed that her osteo and rheumatoid arthritis have both worsened pretty severely and as such we are now going to put in a new claim for her to hopefully get the high rate mobility allowance back again. She is now 61 and was forced to retire on her 60th birthday because she was simply unable to work any longer, she wanted to work until 65 but it wasn't possible. She has been working some sort of job since the age of 11 when she started babysitting for neighbours, at 16 she got a job in a factory and at 25 she got a job in the civil service. She has paid her dues and worked 35 years as a union rep in the CS and now, when she needs some support, it feels like the powers that be have turned their back on her and there's nothing we can do about it. It's an absolute disgrace. What makes it worse is you see the likes of 'Sir' Phillip Green, who robbed millions from a pension fund at BHS and the company subsequently folded causing chaos for thousands of people, sipping champagne on one of his many boats and laughing at the fact that no one will do a damn thing about it because he is considered one of the elite and therefore untouchable. It's time for a revolution in this country, high time.

[@sicr7373]

I can never watch the food bank scene without disolving into floods of tears, it doesn't matter how many times I've seen it, it just destroys me everytime, one of the most powerful scenes in the world of cinema!

[@CheerfulSmilingEd]

I've had to apply for esa in Newcastle I don't think I'll be able to watch this

[@kaatyblue]

I loved this film so much. I can't believe I was lucky enough to have it open at my country, and specifically at my city at that. And yes, that scene Mark mentioned is just brilliant. I don't even know how you shoot a scene like that because it's just SO REAL, which is why it works so much and is so impactful. It's like you're right there witnessing a real life moment.

[@philiphalpenny9761]

mr kermode 's elequence here deserves an award.

[@kevinanderson7301]

Philip Halpenny

[@gailspencer4451]

I am interested in seeing this after getting PR nudge today with detail of the associated 'gimmick' of putting some off the dialogue onto buildings of note. It is about time the atmospheric of the times was put on screen. Ken Loach is the person to do this.......though I am not a big fan of his work, I cannot wait to see this. Post Work Programme and Universal Benefit - it absolutely needs articulating.

[@sarahhayton1562]

Watched it last night and I was shook to the core through the tears that continuesly flowed

[@KartikeyaDutta]

I badly wanted to help old grandpa Blake with the computers and jobs.

[@bencornish6910]

Great review of a great film by a great reviewer...

[@PauLtus_B]

Well I immediately agree with the message already.

[@timheavyable]

Ken leach is a genius filmmaker,takes the mundane and raises it to high drama,exposing deliberate number crunching as a way to control less fortunate people,some say left wing,I say reality.

[@specialsnowfake6744]

happy to have been giving to food banks now. will watch the movie. A lot of people have a personal experience about this subject in the UK. There is no compassion in society

[@T800System]

Really looking forward to seeing this film. Shame no local cinemas bloody show it!

[@stevecampbell7589]

they will be soon, keep checking you local listings. I play the van driver in this film.

[@smeejit]

www.idanielblake.co.uk/

[@T800System]

I live in the cultural wasteland that is Peterborough. No cinema showing here, at least as of yet.

[@stevecampbell7589]

most cinemas dont know they showing it until a week before. a cinema in Newcastle aint showing it yet and it was filmed up here.

[@T800System]

Steve Campbell's Transport I hope you're right. Also, props to you for starring in the film. I'll be looking out for you when I eventually get to see it!

[@bookypeej9477]

A film about the world in tory Britain. A film of our times

[@bridgethighton2941]

Peter Harrison deserves a Oscar for its the best film out there forget last last land etc they just entertained you this film beats the rest by a ile

[@philfenner]

such a brilliant piece of work,I absolutely love it

[@ianmacnaughton5567]

It is a powerful film and based on actual events but sadly some of the positive characterisation of life on benefit street seems unduly optimistic when compared to actually living in low income Britain.

[@AlexKidd]

Brilliant movie, everyone in the UK needs to see it

[@daniellemccarthy903]

@Jo Bloggs 😠 The public have elected the Tories yet again, with an outright majority. 5 more years of austerity, just over brexit. 🦃🎄

[@ALBUMOF2008]

God I was crying the entire time. Not even an overstatement I was fully crying constantly throughout the whole thing. Had to call my pal after I finished watching it to cry to them and calm down.

[@stevecampbell7589]

I am in this movie with my old blue transit van a right banger lol i still not seen it.

[@saddemgargouri]

that food bank scene i almost cried over a food scene . Great review , great movie

[@christianspanggaard]

I cannot remember the last time I cried but wow, this movie got me right in the feelings.

[@KartikeyaDutta]

Despite being regularly crushed by the government system, it's hard to see how the old timer Daniel Blake keeps himself upbeat with the children and Katie. I have never been more enraged when Sheila demands proof from Blake of him giving CVs to employers. Heartbreaking and Brilliant film I may want to see again when I am feeling overly cheerful.

[@YorwerthHiraeth]

The reference to Kafka reminded me that I haven't read The Trial yet. Off to Amazon...

[@enemywithin1295]

Jake Evans You're in for the most depressing read of your life.

[@sceneonscreen7748]

The Trial? It's not all that depressing. Kafka was quite comic in a dark sort of way. Great book, though.

[@virgilgrissom7753]

Jake Evans Overrated, the stranger is better.

[@seansersmylie]

Great book and the Orsen Welles film version is excellent too.

[@YorwerthHiraeth]

Sean Smylie Just watched the 90s version with Kyle MacLachlan. Will be checking out the Wells version soon.

[@generichuman2044]

The mere mention of that food bank scene is enough to bring me to tears. Absolutely incredible film

[@paulbaggott5121]

I am STANDING where the Library scene was shot. Some of those homeless people in the film are REAL homeless people.

[@fonefilms]

See this film. Spot on review.

[@VarietyVideoGamer]

I think it's the saddest film I've ever seen. I cry every single time I see it.

[@KartikeyaDutta]

I badly wanted to help old grandpa Blake with the computers and job stuff.

[@bobturner7112]

Jobcentre Plus, The Movie Broken Britain addition

[@Frank75288]

hockey pokey pig in a pokey...pauline's pens

[@eddenoy321]

Loach has announced that there WILL,in fact, be sequel tentatively scheduled in 2020 entitled " We, Katie, Daisy, and Dylan ".

[@TheBassHeavy]

I really want to see this, but I know it make me extremely angry. It's probably worth it though.

[@generichuman2044]

I hope you decided to watch it in the end. One of the most moving films I have ever seen

[@KartikeyaDutta]

@@generichuman2044 The old timer made it an absolute beauty.

[@eddiegremlin]

It's not comedy, for some this is daily life..

[@sesaeo-the-games-we-play]

This film is more relevant than ever post-COVID

[@darragh9512]

I found this film to be one of the most terrifying movies I've ever seen. Getting stuck in the trap of the welfare system, where people who need help wouldn't be given help, while a minority of people exploit it and dirty the image of people who aren't in it for the long term but are on it because of an unfortunate necessity to survive. Regardless of your politics, I would be more of a right leaning libertarian on the spectrum, this film I found is a rather bipartisan film which provides a bridge between the political divide and show what a shambles the system has become by multiple political changings of the guards.

[@thefrecklepuny]

I, Daniel Blake is the one of the most important British films of the past decade. A movie I knew I had to watch. So I bought the DVD. I can honestly say that only three movies made me shed a tear. This was one of them! Damn good acting combined with a stark message. I, Daniel Blake is NOT a feel-good movie. Nor a particularly enjoyable one. But it is one I do consider people need to watch. Mark Kermode's honest and accurate review is in stark contrast to the rent-a-gob Toby Young who, although declaring himself a non-expert on the benefits system, proceeded to trash this movie by saying 'things did not ring true' within it! I suggest he watch it properly this time as well as talking to those who've been tin the same situation.

[@flyinggabriel8788]

The same pattern has emerged here in New Zealand. My god, even the terminology is identical. It's resulted in one multiple murder and subsequent firearm alerts at welfare offices. There's security at every doorway. The experience is humiliating for everyone except the psychopathic little fascists who get attracted to these places like mice to bloody cheese. I get nervous driving past the place lest incidental gunfire breaks out. It's a deliberate shambles for their 'strategy of tension' - with a side of eugenics tossed in, the sick bastards.

[@ColinOYoung]

Agree with this review, well put. Loach knows how to pull at the heartstrings.

[@maryoneill2985]

Great review!!

[@thomaspearson1919]

David Cameron. Ian Duncan Smith, George Osborn, Maria Miller, and c/o Guilty on humanity.

[@davidtandey302]

This is the way the Tories treat the masses but how do they treat the rich and powerful tax dodgers, compare the difference between the two and you might see the reality of the class system

[@bridgethighton2941]

David Tandey they all hold hands

[@jmmypaddy]

I write this 3 days short of exactly 5 years since this review was uploaded to youtube and it has gotten worse in Britain and the northeast. The people at the top are dividing people and trying get everyone to tear each other apart. One in five people live in poverty in the UK, food shelves are becoming emptier and panic buying of petrol has happened. The people with the money and power put the blame on to us and the EU, but nether are to blame. Snappy slogans like "taking back control" were used to make people feel like we lost something, but we always had it. I hope people read this comment and think to themselves about if 2016 was in fact a mistake and if the two general elections since have been too. Members of the government have penned their name to a book describing the British workers as 'the laziest'. Change is needed, because we can't going on like this.

[@bothi00]

Considering the alternative in the uk atm, it's only gonna go from bad to worse for ye

[@akulaa4853]

I've just watched it. Great review for a wonderful moving film.

[@boxingmonkey2450]

Outstanding Film . . . . . Deserves every accolade it achieves . . . SUPERB

[@splinterbyrd]

I agree. The most excruciating part was the first few minutes, where Daniel is being asked such inane questions about his health.

[@shortround551]

I just came out of watching the film, absolutely beautiful slice of life!

[@BurnTheController]

Shortround551 really? Personally, I wasn't a huge fan. I couldn't really feel bad for the characters when nothing good happens to contrast the CONSTANT SADNESS. There wasn't really a story, it just kind of complained. Differing opinions I guess

[@nweston99]

Did you not find the relationship that blossomed between Dan and Katie positive?

[@shortround551]

BurnTheController There were positive moments, like when Dan was talking about his wife to the little girl and remembering the good times. Life isn't always happy and positive, and if this film did have a scene where the characters were overly happy, it would contrast the messages and feelings the film was going for. Its subjective I know, but I don't need to see characters go through a variety of contrasting emotions to connect with them, especially if they're opposite. If one moments he's really happy and not facing problems, and then in the next he would be, the contrast would be distracting and ruin the character.

[@BurnTheController]

Shortround551 fair point. I understand what you mean about lots of happiness not fitting with the themes, but I don't think it really made me sad. To me, the movie seemed like a big complaint. For the movie to actually grip me and make me feel sorry, it would use sad scenes MUCH more sparingly

[@andydudley1775]

who would want to dislike the film :(

[@KartikeyaDutta]

the heartless bureaucrats

[@davidfgranger]

I love that clip, it feels so utterly real.

[@Londonguy1987_]

watched it yesterday. pretty good movie.

[@barryscotland250]

“POOR ANGUS Oh what do you do, poor Angus, When hunger makes you cry? "I fix myself an omelet, sir, Of fluffy clouds and sky." Oh what do you wear, poor Angus, When winds blow down the hills? "I sew myself a warm cloak, sir, Of hope and daffodils." Oh who do you love, poor Angus, When Catherine's left the moor? "Ah, then, sir, then's the only time I feel I'm really poor.” Scott Cameron Smith...1908.

[@FranMSK]

Why are people so shitty about the Doc being left wing? You should kind of know that by now, if it's not for you don't listen/post...

[@ZeppoM]

The left wing stuff is silly so I just take the reviews with a big political message with a pinch of salt. Apart from that he's the best reviewer out there.

[@TG-kc9ue]

"silly"

[@rainmaker690]

What the hell is "silly" about the left wing or about politics. Tired of fools dogging out the let wing for no reason other then the right wing bashing them.

[@PauLtus_B]

I don't think it's weird anyone with quite a bit of culture interest is on the left wing. I don't think being either left or right should be confused with the extremisms that exist.

[@ZeppoM]

No, people on the left seem to think that only they care about people, and its that kind of attitude that makes most of the left ridiculous.

[@littlelaur94]

I've just seen this film and I have to say I was disappointed. Firstly other than the next door neighbours fencing knock off trainers it was nowhere near realistic in terms of portraying the people that it was doing. Yes there are good people in bad situations but not one cigarette or joint smoked by anyone throughout the entire film? Come off it, has Ken Loach ever even been to Newcastle?! Secondly the acting was terrible. It looked like 6th form drama club was putting it on. If the makers of the film had tried a bit harder to make a good film rather than a political point I may have come out of this film less sceptical. Living and working with people like this, however, I think this film could have told a much better story if it hadn't tried so hard to be worthy.

[@turokforever007]

i met a bloke who had to attend a meeting at the job centre. the date on his letter was on a bank holiday. and it was shut. he had his money stopped until he proved why he missed the appointment.

[@ennesshay5040]

the 4.26 video ''Mark Steel on: Toby Young and I, Daniel Blake.'' (by The Independent)

[@LllamaDelReyy]

I got to be an extra in this movie. I’m so glad. It was wonderful

[@VarietyVideoGamer]

Really? What scene and where were you? You were part of a fantastic expression of not only film but humanity and I thank you for what even small part you played. Thank you.

[@rbdriftin]

I smell yet another 5 star Observer review. He's getting pretty generous with those, especially considering he never used to give them.

[@thepauldoherty]

Rob B. He doesn't give the star ratings I believe. They're just added by the paper based on their interpretation of his review

[@tonybennett4159]

Rob B. Star ratings were introduced some years ago. At the time there was a scandal because the critics were still free to write what they wanted, but often it was the editors who made a decision on the number of stars. Therefore a film with a mediocre review could get 4 or 5 stars (commercial agreements between newspapers and distributors?). This has been further exacerbated by film posters being plastered with five stars, but when you get close, it shows they're given by people from personal blogs, not by professional reviewers. My advice is to test each reviewer on their merits. The ones that bring something worthwhile are the ones that I tend to read.

[@darrenharman3362]

The good Doctor, is spot on.

[@minnie5301]

Yes food bank scene had me completely in tears

[@emy3426]

Just watched this film last night. Brilliant film- very realistic, unfortunately. The scene in the food bank is shocking, you're taken by surprise. Loach uses his skills to actually highlight something worth highlighting. So many films these days lack any real world depth.

[@simoncollyer7007]

Brilliant summing up

[@kellycleeton3757]

The trailer made me cry, can't wait to see it

[@bridgethighton2941]

Kelly Cleeton it's very sad

[@timothyw98]

He has a similar film coming out soon called sorry we missed you about a delivery driver on a naught hours contract.

[@adamcollins915]

Looking for a job is not trudging the streets. It is done online. Free internet, work shops and work coaches are available at job centres.

[@bridgethighton2941]

adam collins why would you prefer to see unemployed people trudging round the streets for what's on offer,part time work paying minimum wage does not provide a living or maybe you think they should work 2 or 3 jobs would that make you feel better

[@paulway9926]

Brilliant film, well done everyone involved.

[@thecasualfront7432]

Good bloke is kermode

[@commandershepard5984]

brilliant film

[@fodsaks]

And two years later, the Conservatives are re-elected with a huge majority. What does that say to us?

[@shrinewitch]

I enjoyed the film but can't help wonder what Shane Meadows would have done with it.

[@RetroJay1974]

I find it amusing (I should not find it amusing not in the least!) but Duncan Smith says its not 100% accurate... Really? I would say this movie skirts way to close, it is all too real imho.

[@thelastattempt666]

It still makes my blood boil Not a movie, but a film.

[@garyturley2435]

ive been on the dole. to be fair most of the time they where ok with me. i did get jobs in time. but i feel sorry for people who are gen ill. through stroked etc. and to be told they are fit for work is a disgrace. if i ended up homless id do myself in could not live on street in winter

[@marianm2680]

I started donating food in food bank after watching this film!

[@THEPINKFLOYDIANS]

Covid19 update, in the last nine days 500,000 people have applied for Universal Credit. There will be millions on UC by the end of this nightmare....

[@jamesnetwall6168]

This movie literally broke me up I've seen people have to struggle through this kind of crap. This is why I advocate the human race needs to just go away because I honest to God if we can't treat each other any better than this then there is no point to it anymore and anybody that wants to say it's pessimism or just playing mean-spirited you can kiss my ass how can you deny somebody the rights to their benefits based on a questionnaire of all things. Not a doctor's examination mind you okay, but a questionnaire and which of you make the wrong answer you are a you're doing you're screwed and this we are never going to be anything as a species if we cannot do better by each other than the way we are right now. And I'd like to point out to people that work these kind of jobs that is not your money that your fling about okay it is the taxpayers money and I have no problem with my money going the people that need it so stop acting like because somebody's free minutes late for a damn appointment they can't come in that's bullshit shithappens life is hard enough stop making it harder. Brilliant reviews always sir thank you for reviewing the good movies I appreciate that and bringing stuff to light absolutely loved it more people need to see it so they can see what it is people are struggling with and complaining about it's not people being lazy it's people being mistreated to the point where they don't even feel like they're worth anything anymore.