As with other Ken Loach films, "My Name is Joe" gives a grim view of life for the disadvantaged.
It also makes for difficult viewing. This is partly because of the dialogue. If, like me, you didn't grow up in working class Glasgow, you might feel the need for sub titles at times. To be fair, I did follow the plot but only by paying careful attention at all times.
The second reason for difficulty is the plot itself. Life is just grim for the main characters. Some, like Liam and Sabine really have no way out of poverty and worse. Joe starts out as a more hopeful character - he seems to be successfully winning the battle against alcoholism and, as manager of a local football team, he is a respected member of the community. And look out for his clothes, which really are remarkably up market compared with pretty well everyone else in the film.
But once he tries for the good life by getting into a relationship with a "middle class professional", things start to fall apart as his loyalties pull him in opposite directions.
So it's not an easy film - but then there are no free lunches!
It also makes for difficult viewing. This is partly because of the dialogue. If, like me, you didn't grow up in working class Glasgow, you might feel the need for sub titles at times. To be fair, I did follow the plot but only by paying careful attention at all times.
The second reason for difficulty is the plot itself. Life is just grim for the main characters. Some, like Liam and Sabine really have no way out of poverty and worse. Joe starts out as a more hopeful character - he seems to be successfully winning the battle against alcoholism and, as manager of a local football team, he is a respected member of the community. And look out for his clothes, which really are remarkably up market compared with pretty well everyone else in the film.
But once he tries for the good life by getting into a relationship with a "middle class professional", things start to fall apart as his loyalties pull him in opposite directions.
So it's not an easy film - but then there are no free lunches!