British filmmaker Ken Loach has long been a champion of the underdog, using his films to shed light on uncomfortable topics and advocate for working-class solidarity. Despite sometimes being misunderstood or underappreciated by American audiences, Loach’s career has been marked by a relentless focus on the struggles of ordinary people.
Now, Film Forum is hosting a retrospective of Loach’s work, showcasing the emotional depth and breadth of his audacious career. From his early television plays in the 1960s to his more recent films, Loach has tackled a wide range of contentious issues with a belief in the power of community over individualism.
Throughout his career, Loach’s films have evolved to become more artful and cinematic, while still maintaining their social relevance and political edge. His latest film, “Sorry We Missed You,” continues to highlight issues of worker exploitation, proving that his work remains as relevant today as it did decades ago.
One of Loach’s most wrenching dramas, “I, Daniel Blake,” sparked a parliamentary discussion in Britain and highlighted the struggles of navigating a complex welfare system. Despite the heavy subject matter, Loach infuses his films with humor and humanity, making them accessible to a wider audience.
As Loach’s career nears its end with his likely last feature, “The Old Oak,” his films continue to offer a stark and unflinching look at the lives of ordinary people. Through characters like Maggie in “Ladybird, Ladybird” and Joy in “Poor Cow,” Loach presents a cinema of working-class superheroes, showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Overall, Loach’s retrospective at Film Forum is a testament to his unwavering commitment to telling the stories of those often overlooked by society. His films serve as a reminder of the power of empathy, community, and the enduring spirit of the underdog.
