Film review: I, Daniel Blake

A difficult story to watch – brutal, raw and tragic – but it is one that needs to be told.

Showroom Cinema, Sheffield

Cert 15

Four of five stars

110 mins

IF you are looking for a happy-go-lucky, feel good film, do not go and see I, Daniel Blake.

But, if you are looking for a real-life take on the despairing benefit system and frustrating red-tape that breaks down people already in a desperate situation, then this is the film for you.

It is difficult to watch – brutal, raw and tragic – but it tells a story that needs to be told, mainly to highlight to those blissfully unaware of what life beyond the breadline is now like.

But it’s not all doom and gloom as there are moments are great warmth and humour throughout.

It also celebrates the kindness ordinary people, many in crisis situations themselves, are still willing to show to their fellow man.

Director Ken Loach swaps kitchen sink drama for jobcentre drama in his hard-hitting broken Britain landscape, which has already won him this year’s Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Daniel Blake (played by Dave Johns) is a middle aged Newcastle carpenter who for the first time in his life needs help from the state.

Recently widowed and recovering from a heart attack, doctors have told him it is not safe for him to return to work.

The film opens with Daniel answering questions from a so-called healthcare professional hired by the Government who deems he is fit to return to work and must instead receive job-seekers allowance – forcing him to job hunt for work he cannot undertake.

The audience is then privy to numerous (expensive) phone calls Daniel has to make to try and get through to the appeal board to challenge the decision.

Along his tiring Jobcentre battle he meets single mum Katie (Hayley Squires) who is also having the door slammed in her face by civil servants.

After living in a one-bedroom homeless shelter in London for two years, Katie and her two children are forced to take a run-down flat in Newcastle, 300 miles away from her hometown.

The pair are able to help each other out and Daniel takes a starving Katie, who has been forgoing food for the sake of her children, to a food bank.

This delivers one of the most powerful scenes I have ever seen in a film as the young mum on the verge of collapse tries to discreetly devour a tin of cold beans as a volunteer fills her bag.

The uncomfortable scene plays out to just the right length, which took me from gut-wrenchingly sad, to rage.

It’s a hard scenario to swallow to know that people in reality are too being reduced to such humiliating acts.

There were times when I felt like I couldn’t watch any longer, but I was compelled by Daniel’s wit (not surprising with Johns stand-up comic background) and no-nonsense attitude – his Banksy-style rebellion is a highlight.

Squires gives an equally outstanding performance as a determined, desperate mum.

The two stir up such emotion I dare say any audience member will leave without a renewed perspective.

The Showroom is hosting a special screening of the film at 6.10pm on Friday, October 28 hosted by union Unite Community.

In a panel discussion after the film, the audience will have the opportunity to meet one of the actors in the film, Kate Rutter, and campaigners and experts about the benefit sanctions regime at Jobcentres.

Showroom film programmer, Joan Parsons, said: “Ken Loach has long campaigned for political and social change and I, Daniel Blake has sounded an alarm.

“This will be an opportunity to discuss the issues it raises with people who have first hand experience and the power of film to raise awareness and instigate change.”

Visit www.showroomworkstation.org.uk to book tickets.

Unite Community will be arranging screenings in local neighbourhoods after the film’s general release.

In the New Year the union will organise free events that are accessible to claimants who find it difficult to afford cinema visits.

Friends and neighbours will be able to watch the film together and discuss it afterwards.