amberapple This film was very underseen in the USA, though many consider it one of Loach's finest. As a traveler who has seen firsthand what privatization is doing to the UK transportation system, this film struck me as grittily authentic. As with so many of his films, Loach chooses to address social ills by exploring their effects upon working class characters. But not every plot point has to do with the topic at hand, and that is why the films work well, because the narrative has a life of its own driven by these characters (most of them quite likable although flawed) that goes beyond its "message."

ch-de-hon Generally I adorn Ken Loach's films, but here it is a boring story. With an English humor touch, the author tells us the story of the privatization of British rail. It's long, very long and so British. It's hard to be concerned by annoying script.

Jose E This is by no means a movie to be seen for pure entertainment,. This is a REALISTIC movie, so those looking for kicks stay away. Otherwise you will be so disappointed.I like this movie so much, especially since is the type of movie Hollywood would NEVER make. It sharply portraits how bad working conditions have gotten over the years (which is something I have witnessed firsthand). Treating people like dirt and firing them without a reason have become an end it itself. Watching this film takes you to the core of what's going on at most workplaces, which obviously won't delight those who think life is pretty, because it ain't. Put your feet on the ground and search for that beauty - you are not going to find it in the treatment workers are getting anywhere. This is the real world, people, whether we like it or not.While seeing this movie, never did I feel I was in the cinema. I could relate to what the characters were going through.Of course the movie has no happy end, but if it did would be unreal.10/10.

kevin c A Loach film is always worth catching, and this has it's amusing moments. However I was left feeling that this was very much "Riff Raff" repeated by a railway line. Similarly the characters were far too black & white. Having said that it certainly resonates in our era, as the national railway network grinds to a halt.