No. 74 (2023) THE OLD OAK Palace British FF (Preview Aust) Oct 16th.

 

Film No. 74  (2023)  October 16th.  6:30 PM  PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 7, Perth City.

"We've been in this village all our lives, man. And we're sposed to share it with that lot. We don't even know them." (T.J's mate Charlie expresses the views of his drinking gang, while gathered for a pint at The Old Oak).

WINNER (Ken Loach & Paul Laverty) Audience Award. Cinefest Sudbury (2023).

THE OLD OAK is not classic Ken Loach, but it is, trademark Loach. I'm a Loach/Laverty (writer) devotee so I'm a bit sad that I have to pass a couple of negative comments here. But how can I be truly sad about a film, created by a master, that simply screams out "why the hell can't we all just get on, man?" 

Actor Dave Turner is T.J. Ballantyne, a loyal, big hearted publican in working class Durham. The backdrop for most scenes is, The Old Oak, his pub. From the first images we are made aware of T.J.'s generosity of spirit. He is on hand, in the streets he likely grew up in, helping Syrian refugees exit their bus to be housed in nearby, (government) flats. Bigoted locals surround the bus, expressing their anger at the "inundation" of these foreigners. T.J. is focused on helping, all the while being quietly aware of the vitriol being aimed, partially, at him, for becoming involved.

From here it is pure Loach. The gentle, generous nature of Yara (Elba Mari) along with her Syrian family, the Good Samaritan deeds of T.J. and Laura (Claire Rodgerson) and the concept of a communal meeting place (The Old Oak) where all may meet and be fed, set the example for how this community can thrive together, and it warms our hearts. But where is THE DRAMA you ask? Well, it is in the whys and wherefores of the human condition. Who deserves their sense of belonging more? The locals or the refugees? And what needs to happen for them all to live in harmony?

Some of the preaching by Loach is over played, but the message is so meaningful; the extra reinforcement is worthwhile.  

Loach is now 86. There are murmurings that this, the third part of the trilogy which began with, I, DANIEL BLAKE, followed by, SORRY WE MISSED YOU, is his last film. I hope not. My understanding is THE OLD OAK had  issues due to COVID leading to casting restrictions. I'd be surprised if Loach finished, knowing that THE OLD OAK could have been better. There is a preachiness that weighs it down. But only ever so slightly.   10GUMS.