114 mins |
Rated
M (Offensive language)
Directed by Ken Loach
Starring Trevor Fox, Col Tait, Dave Turner, Ebla Mari, Claire Rodgerson, Chris McGlade, Jordan Louis
THE OLD OAK is a special place. Not only is it the last pub standing, but it’s also the only remaining public space where people can meet in a once thriving mining community that has now fallen on hard times after 30 years of decline. TJ Ballantyne (Dave Turner) the landlord hangs on to The Old Oak by his fingertips, and his predicament is endangered even more when the pub becomes contested territory after the arrival of Syrian refugees who are placed in the village without any notice.
In an unlikely friendship TJ meets a curious young Syrian Yara [Ebla Mari] with her camera. Can they find a way for the two communities to understand each other? So unfolds a deeply moving drama about their fragilities and hopes.
WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING:
The film is moving, nonetheless: all of Loach’s bluntness, plain-speaking and fierce compassion are here. At 87, he punches the clock on an extraordinary career. Tom Shone - Sundy Times UK
In lieu of humor, The Old Oak champions empathy, unity, unconditional kindness, the exotic idea of communal sharing, the solidarity of ordinary people wherever they come from, a little hope. It’s a magical space in itself. Graham Fuller - The Arts Desk
Read more...
THE OLD OAK is a special place. Not only is it the last pub standing, but it’s also the only remaining public space where people can meet in a once thriving mining community that has now fallen on hard times after 30 years of decline. TJ Ballantyne (Dave Turner) the landlord hangs on to The Old Oak by his fingertips, and his predicament is endangered even more when the pub becomes contested territory after the arrival of Syrian refugees who are placed in the village without any notice.
In an unlikely friendship TJ meets a curious young Syrian Yara [Ebla Mari] with her camera. Can they find a way for the two communities to understand each other? So unfolds a deeply moving drama about their fragilities and hopes.
WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING:
The film is moving, nonetheless: all of Loach’s bluntness, plain-speaking and fierce compassion are here. At 87, he punches the clock on an extraordinary career. Tom Shone - Sundy Times UK
In lieu of humor, The Old Oak champions empathy, unity, unconditional kindness, the exotic idea of communal sharing, the solidarity of ordinary people wherever they come from, a little hope. It’s a magical space in itself. Graham Fuller - The Arts Desk