Review of I, Daniel Blake (2016) by Jonathan M — 13 Feb 2017

Ken Loch's I, Daniel Blake stars Dave Johns as Daniel Blake, a Newcastle joiner who has recently had a major heart attack. His doctor says that he absolutely cannot return to work as his heart's condition is far too serious.

However, the British government has deemed him "fit for work" which means he cannot collect the British equivalent to America's Disability Insurance. Now that the government has deemed him fit for work, he must collect Job Seekers Allowance, where he must look for work at least 35 hours a week (even though he cannot work).

The film gives two different points of view, one from Daniel Blake and one from Katie (Hayley Squires), a single mother of two who has recently moved out to Newcastle. Her situation is very simple, she has two kids and because she was late for her appointment due to her being lost (once again, she recently moved out to Newcastle) she has been sanctioned.

This means that her Job Seekers Allowance has been frozen for 4 weeks (which she can only appeal retroactively). Daniel befriends Katie in the building where she is attempting to collect her Allowance.

Daniel attempts to help the family (not financially as he has not income) but through general acts of kindness, like fixing the fuse box in their house or making things for the kids. Most people may not know what people who are forced to live on the social safety net struggle with on a daily basis and the film does an excellent job at explaining to people.

As far as cinematography goes, it is spot on. There is one specific scene in a food bank that because of the great writing, acting, and camera work is one of the most stunning scenes in any film of the past decade.

It is truly? heartbreaking. Acting is spot on by Dave Johns and Hayley Squires, Squires in particular truly captures the desperation on behalf of a single mother of two who must go to great lengths to put food on the table.

Overall, this film is breathtaking in its telling of the stories of so many people. There are hundreds of thousands of Daniel Blake out there and hopefully, ?this exemplary film will allow them to be heard.

This film should be mandatory viewing for any politician and frankly to anyone. See it!