I, Daniel Blake

2016 • 100 minutes

About this movie

From acclaimed director Ken Loach, comes this astonishing story of triumph and adversity in modern day Britain. Daniel Blake has worked as a joiner most of his life in Newcastle. Now, for the first time ever, he needs help from the State. He crosses paths with single mother Katie who is battling to keep her two young children fed. Daniel and Katie find themselves in a no-man’s land, striving to pull themselves out of the welfare bureaucracy of modern day Britain. Award winning and critically lauded, I, Daniel Blake, is the vital film for our times. Sixteen Tyne Limited, Why Not Productions, Wild Bunch, Les Films du Fleuve, British Broadcasting Corporation, France 2 Cinéma and The British Film Institute 2016. All Rights Reserved.

Ratings and reviews

Another reviewer made the same point as I was about to - Katy would have had tax credits - if not why not - no mention of that. Also a missed opportunity there regards child maintenance and the problems single parents often have trying to secure this. Bleak, a tad over done, but worth watching. Pencil by default in a digital by default society - cracking black humour.

Been a young single mum on benefit much like Katy but pulling myself out of the gutter despite having severe health problems etc..now working in public service, I can see both sides. The characters were believable ,However I did cringe a little because it was a tad over the top and did have a propaganda edge to it ... for this reason I only give it 3 stars. Oh and also I must add I did keep thinking to myself Katie might be sanctioned which is harsh and certainly a big chunk of income but she must still be getting child tax credit and child benefit for the kids which would amount to around £150 a week so not sure why she didn't have any gas or electric or food because I know I would buy those items as a matter of priority ?? The film made out she was totally broke but it doesn't quite add up...

Not the most uplifting of films, but the writing is great and it captures the sentiment of the issues shown really well. 6/10