Raining Stones
"Intense and funny." - Vincent Canby, The New York Times
Bob Williams is a survivor: he supplements his government assistance by becoming embroiled in whatever scam is going on. Bob does what he can to keep his family fed, whether its rustling sheep or cleaning drains, there isn't anything he wouldn't do for his family. From one job fiasco to the next, he will do whatever it takes to buy his daughter what she needs.
Member Reviews
Very well done - RobBC
Ken Loach’s wonderfully rooted working class drama centres on the chronically unemployed Bob who barely manages to support his wife and daughter by supplementing his welfare cheque with the occasional odd job; whether it’s stealing a sheep to sell to the butcher or bouncing at a local rave bar. But when his daughter sets her sights on an expensive dress for her first communion Bob’s pride refuses to let him accept charity and he soon finds himself getting deeper and deeper into debt. As financial pressures mount and job prospects dry up his options become dangerously limited... Shot in a street level verité style which gives it all the immediacy of a documentary, this deeply human film boasts some amazing performances from its very talented cast. Loach offsets the pervasive pessimism with occasional flashes of humour and his subtle use of religious imagery is put to good use as Bob, a staunch Catholic, develops a crisis of faith which culminates in a most illuminating discussion with the local priest. I also appreciated the film’s sense of balance; it opens with a sacrificial lamb of sorts, then follows Bob as he responds to various temptations, and finally ends with a gentle scene of absolution.3.5 stars - bosoxx
The review by Phil55 is right on.Loach is a distinguished director who has done fine work depicting working class lives with compassion &, in this case, humour where he can. Although at times in this film sometimes I felt the central characters leads ineptness deserved to be punished. Jones, as the lead, is good & Julie Brown exceptional in a couple of scenes.Raining Stones - Phil55
This movie is billed as a comedy. It is anything but. Having said that, the film effectively portrays the bleak struggle that some people have to endure in post industrial Northern England. Just getting by is a way of life in the community portrayed. Futures seem predestined for failure. The film is comical at times, but brutally raw as well. It is more than just the story of a father trying to outfit his daughter with an expensive outfit for First Communion that he can ill afford. It is a depiction of misplaced values held by a family man who doesn't quite understand how best to look out for his family in a struggle to survive.
Member Reviews
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Very well done - RobBC
Ken Loach’s wonderfully rooted working class drama centres on the chronically unemployed Bob who barely manages to support his wife and daughter by supplementing his welfare cheque with the occasional odd job; whether it’s stealing a sheep to sell to the butcher ...3.5 stars - bosoxx
The review by Phil55 is right on.Loach is a distinguished director who has done fine work depicting working class lives with compassion &, in this case, humour where he can. Although at times in this film sometimes I felt the central characters leads ineptness ...Raining Stones - Phil55
This movie is billed as a comedy. It is anything but. Having said that, the film effectively portrays the bleak struggle that some people have to endure in post industrial Northern England. Just getting by is a way of life in the community portrayed. Futures ...