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Raining Stones Details

1993 Certificate 15
  • Rated:
  • 70
  • from 1653 members

RAINING STONES, in its quietly observant, almost documentary-like style, is typical of director Ken Loach's understated approach to his left-leaning politics. The film stars Bruce Jones as Bob, a man in an impoverished town in the north of England, struggling to survive on the dole while hustling for any odd jobs he can find, .. Read more

Starring Bruce Jones, Ricky Tomlinson, Julie Brown, Tom Hickey
Director Ken Loach
Genres Drama

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Raining Stones

RAINING STONES, in its quietly observant, almost documentary-like style, is typical of director Ken Loach's understated approach to his left-leaning politics. The film stars Bruce Jones as Bob, a man in an impoverished town in the north of England, struggling to survive on the dole while hustling for any odd jobs he can find, or otherwise pushing the envelope with edgy, foolhardy gigs, such as stealing sheep with his friend Tommy (Ricky Tomlinson) with the hope of reselling them--and when that plan fails, repackaging them as mutton for door-to-door sales. While he's looking the other way, his van is stolen, an event typical of Bob's chronic bad luck. When his wife, Anne (Julie Brown), reminds him of the forthcoming first communion of their daughter, Coleen (Gemma Phoenix), Bob insists that she will have a new dress, although the parish priest, Father Barry (Tom Hickey), advises him that a secondhand dress would be a wiser choice. Bob's quest to raise the money for the dress has surprising repercussions. A humane, extremely moving yet clear-eyed portrait of the rigors of working-class life, the film is devoid of sentimentality, as are its stoic characters. The soundtrack features music by the Police's Stewart Copeland.

Starring Bruce Jones, Ricky Tomlinson, Julie Brown, Tom Hickey, Gemma Phoenix
Director Ken Loach
Studio FILM 4
Run time DVD: 1 hr 27 mins
Certificate Certificate 15
Genres Drama
Language DVD: English
Subtitles DVD: English
Released DVD: 17 Mar 2008
Production year: 1993
Format DVD
  • Critics' reviews (5) of Raining Stones

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  • 5 stars out of 5

    The genius of director Ken Loach lies in his ability to point out the comic ironies and absurdities of existence while exposing the prejudices and injustices of working-class life. While a touch uneven, this is one of his most effective films, showing the increasingly desperate measures an unemployed man is willing to take in order to raise the cash for his daughter's Communion dress. Bruce Jones occasionally loses his way, but mostly he conveys the stubborn pride and determination of his character with considerable skill. Julie Brown shows up well as his wife, while Ricky Tomlinson (Jim in TV's The Royle Family) scene-steals as his scallywag mate.

    • Radio Times
  • 2 stars out of 4

    A realistic drama about working-class lives, absorbing, richly detailed and welcome as one of the few British films of recent years to concern itself with contemporary, everyday life and its problems.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
  • Most helpful member's review of Raining Stones

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  • 11 out of 11 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    A Major Triumph

    A true Ken Loach classic - made in his trademark docu-drama style.

    Bruce Jones plays Bob, a man out of work struggling to find the money to buy his daughter's communion dress. When he gets the money from a local loan shark, it isn't long before he misses a payment and the loan shark and his men come looking for him. Jones is a million miles from Les Battersby in Coronation Street.

    A brilliant film that beautifully combines humour, with powerful emotion. There really are some truly comic moments.

    Ricky Tomlinson is fantastic as Bob's mate Tommy. Also out of work, looking for any opportunity to bring home a few quid.

    A follow up of sorts to the also brilliant Riff Raff.

    Ken Loach again proves that he is one of the foremost filmakers around today.

    This will make you cry with laughter in one instant, then let you witness raw emotion in the next.

      • Dayofthedead33 from DERBYSHIRE
  • Most recent members' review of Raining Stones

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  • 5 out of 5 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    A film that I missed first time round

    I don't know where I was in 1993 but I don't remember this film at all. So it was a lovely surprise to come across a gem of a film. Apart from Ricky Tomlinson I didn't know any of the other British actors - but they were all brilliant and believable.

    If you like gritty Northern stories, don't miss this film.

      • Albany from Warwickshire
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Rating breakdown

1,653 Member ratings
  • 100
168
  • 90
161
  • 80
376
  • 70
336
  • 60
290
  • 50
145
  • 40
74
  • 30
39
  • 20
41
  • 10
23

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by: Mari Foster from Warrington

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    • RAINING STONES, in its quietly observant, almost documentary-like style, is typical of director Ken Loach's understated approach to his left-leaning politics. The film stars Bruce Jones as Bob, a man ...