Riff-Raff

Set in Glasgow, the film follows the life of an unemployed young man named Stevie who gets involved in a series of petty crimes and scams to make ends meet. He takes a job as a hospital porter, where he meets and falls in love with a young woman named Susan. Together, they plan to steal a valuable statue from a wealthy collector, leading to a series of mishaps and darkly comedic situations.

Riff-Raff was widely praised by critics for its sharp social commentary, authentic portrayal of working-class life, and dark humor. Ken Loach's signature naturalistic style was highlighted, as were the strong performances from the lead actors. It was seen as a powerful and often funny depiction of the struggles faced by the unemployed in Thatcher-era Britain.

• Praised for its biting social realism and authentic characters.

• Celebrated for its sharp, often bleak, humor and unflinching look at poverty.

• Lauded for Ken Loach's masterful direction and the compelling performances.

Google audience: Audience reviews often point to the film's raw honesty and relatable characters, appreciating its unflinching depiction of working-class struggles and its dark, sardonic humor. Some found it a bit bleak, but overall, the authenticity and powerful storytelling resonated strongly.

Won the Best Film award at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

The film was shot on a very low budget, with many of the scenes improvised by the actors, contributing to its raw and authentic feel.