This is all real life. It might not be an actual true story as such, but it is all still very much the truth. Anyone who has had to go through the benefit system in the UK will know how accurate this film is and, no matter how tough you think you are, it will be hard not to shed a tear when watching this film.
Although not under exactly the same circumstances as Daniel Blake, I have experienced the frustrating bureaucracy of having to go to a Job Center and try to sort out benefits. I know that cripplingly humiliating feeling of being talked to like you are worthless and lazy even though you desperately want a job. Every time a bureaucratic DWP character mentioned 'The Decision Maker' it made me want to shout at my screen. I have heard those words in real life. I have dealt with those evil government robots. Special mention to a particular man who worked at the Chorlton, Manchester job center around 2011 who made me feel horrible and who couldn't even crack a smile and say well done when I finally did find work. Loads of people hated you mate and I'm sorry that your life was obviously so utterly devoid of happiness and love. (Sorry, i've gone off on one, its just that this film has brought back a lot of memories!)
This film should be shown to all civil servants, government officials and definitely all politicians in the UK as a guide of how NOT to operate. I hope that one day soon we'll be able to watch I, Daniel Blake and feel glad that times have changed and people aren't experiencing the unjust struggles which this film portrays.
Although not under exactly the same circumstances as Daniel Blake, I have experienced the frustrating bureaucracy of having to go to a Job Center and try to sort out benefits. I know that cripplingly humiliating feeling of being talked to like you are worthless and lazy even though you desperately want a job. Every time a bureaucratic DWP character mentioned 'The Decision Maker' it made me want to shout at my screen. I have heard those words in real life. I have dealt with those evil government robots. Special mention to a particular man who worked at the Chorlton, Manchester job center around 2011 who made me feel horrible and who couldn't even crack a smile and say well done when I finally did find work. Loads of people hated you mate and I'm sorry that your life was obviously so utterly devoid of happiness and love. (Sorry, i've gone off on one, its just that this film has brought back a lot of memories!)
This film should be shown to all civil servants, government officials and definitely all politicians in the UK as a guide of how NOT to operate. I hope that one day soon we'll be able to watch I, Daniel Blake and feel glad that times have changed and people aren't experiencing the unjust struggles which this film portrays.
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