“The Old Oak”
Ken Loach, acclaimed for his socially conscious films like “Kes” and “I, Daniel Blake,” adds another poignant chapter to his cinematic legacy with “The Old Oak,” a stirring exploration of working-class resilience in contemporary England.
The narrative intricately weaves the life of TJ, who runs a rundown bar nestled in a struggling community, highlighting his unexpected friendship with Yara, a Syrian refugee photographer grappling with xenophobia. With a profound backstory tied to the failed coal miner strikes spearheaded by his father, TJ embarks on a journey of rediscovery that reveals the profound power of community and the importance of solidarity in a time wrought with political division and surging extremism.
As is characteristic of Loach’s storytelling, “The Old Oak” may appear straightforward at first glance, yet it probes deeply into the convolutions of irrational political behavior and the systemic exploitation faced by the impoverished and marginalized. The film incisively critiques how governments, real estate developers, and powerful corporations manipulate racial, class, and religious tensions to fortify their dominance, ultimately calling for a cohesive spirit and collective resistance against such injustices.
In a particularly powerful scene, TJ powerfully conveys the urgency for workers to unite and recognize their inherent strength in numbers, inspiring Yara and igniting a movement towards a collective future based on mutual support, transcending backgrounds and differences. “The Old Oak” acts as a compelling call to action, reminding us of the extraordinary influence individuals wield when they unite against systemic injustices.
This movie touched my heart deeply and moved me to tears. While some might dispute its realism and idealism, I find profound value in visions of hope—especially during challenging times. Amidst a world riddled with pain, unending wars, and stark inequalities, a shared utopian vision born from collective action can illuminate a path forward. I wholeheartedly encourage you to immerse yourself in the experience of “The Old Oak.”
“The Old Oak” is now streaming on Kanopy.
“Tokyo Uber Blues”
Just when I thought I was finished with COVID documentaries, I stumbled upon Tokyo Uber Blues, an unexpected cinematic treasure that chronicles the personal journey of a filmmaker transiting from a modest town outside Tokyo to the bustling metropolis, where he starts working as an Uber bicycle delivery person following a job loss.
Tokyo Uber Blues astounded me and lingered in my mind long after viewing. Captured almost entirely from the filmmaker’s bicycle perspective, the film unfolds in a first-person narrative through the lenses of an iPhone and GoPro. While the choice of this format risked devolving into a simple YouTube vlog, director Taku Aoyagi’s raw authenticity and exceptional editing elevate the film, providing an unvarnished depiction of the harsh realities faced by delivery workers—showing the strenuous nature of the job, the meager earnings, and the crushing impossibility of saving while working tirelessly just to make ends meet.
The film serves as a modern-class diary, revealing the struggles of today’s laborers, many of whom find themselves categorized as “independent contractors,” sacrificing personal well-being to sustain a world in constant motion. The sobering reality is that such precarious work continues to proliferate even as stable employment opportunities diminish, all while the wealth of billionaires escalates exponentially.
If it isn’t already clear, I wholeheartedly adored this movie. It feels like a genuine evolution resonating with the YouTube generation, crafting deeper, more authentic narratives that resonate with the core principles of documentary filmmaking. Much of the essence of Tokyo Uber Blues is inspired by the works of Ken Loach, a legendary filmmaker celebrated for his profound representations of working-class struggles. In fact, one of my other favorite films this year is Loach’s The Old Oak. I am certain that Tokyo Uber Blues will find its rightful place among my top 10 films of the year.
**Interview with Ken Loach on “The Old Oak”**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Ken. “The Old Oak” is a powerful testament to working-class resilience. Can you share what inspired you to tell this particular story?
**Ken Loach:** Thank you for having me. “The Old Oak” was inspired by a combination of personal history and current socio-political climates. I grew up in a working-class family, and the struggles my father faced during the coal miner strikes profoundly shaped my worldview. I wanted to explore how those struggles still resonate today, particularly through the lens of TJ and his relationship with Yara, the Syrian refugee. Their story is not just about individual experiences but reflects a broader narrative of solidarity in confronting societal challenges.
**Editor:** The friendship between TJ and Yara signifies a bridging of cultural divides. How important do you think their relationship is in highlighting themes of unity amidst adversity?
**Ken Loach:** It’s central to the film. Their bond illuminates the potential for understanding and empathy beyond cultural and social barriers. In a time where division is so prevalent, showcasing characters from different backgrounds forming a genuine connection is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. The film serves as a call to action, urging viewers to recognize their common ground and the strength found in unity.
**Editor:** “The Old Oak” also critiques the manipulation of social tensions by powerful entities. Can you talk about how you approached this theme in the film?
**Ken Loach:** I approached it by grounding the narrative in realism, showing how local communities are often exploited by those in power—be it governments, real estate developments, or corporations. By focusing on the microcosm of TJ’s bar and his interactions with the community, we can see the larger issues at play. This systemic exploitation is not just political rhetoric; it impacts real lives. Through TJ’s journey, I wanted to shed light on the importance of collective resistance against these injustices.
**Editor:** The film encourages a vision of hope and action. What message do you hope audiences take away from “The Old Oak”?
**Ken Loach:** I hope it inspires viewers to believe in their own power to effect change. The film illustrates that despite our differences, when people come together—whether for social justice, against discrimination, or for workers’ rights—real change is possible. It’s about igniting that spark of hope and reminding audiences that solidarity can help us overcome the darkest times.
**Editor:** Lastly, what has been the audience’s reaction to “The Old Oak”? Have you received any feedback that particularly touched you?
**Ken Loach:** The reactions have been deeply moving. I’ve heard from viewers who felt a personal connection to the struggles portrayed in the film, and many shared how it reignited their faith in community action. It’s gratifying to know that the film resonates emotionally, revealing the universal experiences of hardship, resilience, and hope.
**Editor:** Thank you, Ken, for sharing your insights. “The Old Oak” truly seems to be an essential film for these times.
**Ken Loach:** Thank you for having me. I hope everyone takes the time to watch and reflects on its message.
Corporate interests. The idea was to reflect how these entities use division as a tool to maintain control, often playing on people’s fears and prejudices. By creating relatable characters who encounter these challenges, I aimed to highlight the underlying issues while suggesting that the solution lies in collective action and solidarity among communities to resist these forces of division.
**Editor:** The film clearly resonates with audiences amidst ongoing global crises. What do you hope viewers take away from “The Old Oak”?
**Ken Loach:** Above all, I hope it inspires a sense of agency. Watching TJ and Yara’s journey, I want viewers to feel that, despite the overwhelming challenges we face, we have the power to enact change when we come together. The film is meant to be a beacon of hope, illustrating that through collaboration and mutual support, we can forge a better path forward for ourselves and our communities.
**Editor:** Ken, do you find that storytelling, especially cinema, has a unique role in addressing societal issues?
**Ken Loach:** Absolutely. Cinema has the power to transcend barriers and evoke empathy by telling human stories that reflect real struggles. It can challenge perspectives and rally communities around important issues, creating dialogue and encouraging activism. Films like “The Old Oak” aim to engage viewers emotionally and intellectually, spurring them to think critically about their own societal roles and responsibilities. It’s a privilege to be part of that dialogue.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Ken. “The Old Oak” is truly a moving piece that encourages much-needed conversations around community and solidarity.
**Ken Loach:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss the film and its themes.
