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I,
Daniel Blake
Directed
by Ken Loach
This
is an unusual film in that it is filmed in Newcastle but it doesn’t go for
the classic bridges background. Nor does it go for the “it’s grim up north”
stereotype. It centres its narrative on a dysfunctional welfare system that
isn’t fit for purpose.
A
great cast shows pride in the face of adversity, and bureaucrats following
orders. Dave Johns is the carpenter who has paid into the system his entire
working life and, after a heart attack and under doctors orders, he expects
some support. His incredulity at being rejected and assessed as being fit for
work by a faceless “health care professional” who ignores the advice of his
doctors is well placed.
He
meets up with Katie (Hayley Squires) who has been forced to relocate to the
area in order to access somewhere to live with her young family. She is
sanctioned as she did not know the way to the job centre and Daniel offers to
help her.
 |
|
Sharon
Percy
Photo:
Carliol Photography
|
Gavin
Webster plays a former workmate who still looks out for Daniel and Sharon Percy
is the job centre employee, Shiela, who doesn’t appreciate that not everyone
has access to the internet.
Digital
by default they are told. No, Daniel is human by default. This is an impressive
film. Each generation has a film that causes it to wake up and realise there is
a need for change. Thought provoking. Highly recommended.
This review was written by Stephen
Oliver for Carliol
Photography (https://twitter.com/CarliolPhoto). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen
@panic_c_button or like Carliol Photography on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/carliolphotography
.
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