2016
Directed by Ken Loach
I think Americans, okay, me, tend to romanticize the healthcare or welfare systems of other Western countries like the U.K. This film does a good job of demonstrating that bureaucracies are a nightmare no matter where you go.
Daniel Blake is a 59-year-old joiner who recently suffered a heart attack. His cardiologist has deemed him unfit to work, but the government has denied him Employment and Support Allowance. He applies for an appeal, but is thwarted at every turn by the bureaucratic process. At the same time, he meets single mother Katie, who is also being overlooked by the system.
The entire point of this film seems to be to take a swipe at the state, and the movie did a good job of showcasing how intentionally frustrating the process is for people seeking help from the government. Daniel Blake was an easy person to connect with, and I enjoyed watching his relationship with Katie.
It wasn't the most subtle film, but parts of the movie were really powerful and rewarding. Not a film I'll forget anytime soon.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
Interesting Facts:
Shot in chronological order.
What happens to Kate at the food bank happened to a real woman in Glasgow that Paul Laverty, the scriptwriter, met.
I should read your review of The Kingdom (Riget). That should prove some insight into other health systems...
ReplyDeleteAh, I've been waiting for you to get round to this one....
ReplyDeleteOne of, if not THE most important British films of the last decade... What will we do for an aware political view of modern Britain when Ken loach passes on?
And the scary thing is that things are actually worse now than when this made.
As someone who had to face the 'sign on' process, I can tell you that all you see is true.
Critics will say that it's exaggerated ... no it's not.
OK, if you are already well off, have good access to broadband, are computer savvy, can get round, on time, to appointments that can be miles away, then, I guess 'The System' is not so bad... But one small hazard can, will escalate the problem. Such as the rare bus to tow can only get you there 5 mins after the slot you were given .. leading to being sanctioned .. and once you cannot be registered for one thing .. all the others fall apart.
OK, perhaps, we still have it 'easy' compared to the USA ... Daniel had no worries about his hospital bills, fair comment, but the sheer heartlessness of the system still crushes people.
And I mean the system .. I will defend the workers in the dole office - sorry, job centre, they are victims of a system as well. No-one works in a place like that in order to put down the lower orders and make their life hell... They have bosses who have to keep them in line..
One lasting effect of this film to report.
You may know I volunteer work 3, sometimes more, at or local food bank. It's quite different to the one shown, a lot smaller - we cannot handle fresh food, veg etc..
But, as a result of the problem of accessing feminine hygiene items, seems to have made it's way into the public awareness.. we have, always do, plenty... so many we are able to pass them on to other help organisations.
For that awareness raising thing alone, Ken Loach deserves huge thanks from the nation.
It must feel good to be able to help!
DeleteYes, I didn't mean to compare health care systems, they are both terrible in their own ways. I don't think either government is built to provide those services.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived in England for a hot minute, I did love that they had several OTC medicines we need a prescription for in the US. That was nice.