The Old Oak
Seen it?2023 | 113 min | Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (83% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved It's a Wonderful Life or I, Daniel Blake, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 53 min.
- What might put you off
- Nothing much for most grown-ups.
A pub landlord in a previously thriving mining community struggles to hold onto his pub. Meanwhile, tensions rise in the town when Syrian refugees are placed in the empty houses in the community.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Cannes award.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$8 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 94K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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It's a Wonderful Life
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I, Daniel Blake Friday Night FlickAlso from director Ken Loach, though it's a different kind of film: a critically acclaimed drama.
The Long, Hot Summer Sunday Safe BetAnother small-town drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Bookshop
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Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Ken Loach
- Dave TurnerTJ Ballantyne
- Ebla MariYara
- Claire RodgersonLaura
- Trevor FoxCharlie
- Chris McGladeVic
- Col TaitEddy
- Jordan LouisGary
- Chrissie RobinsonErica
- Chris GottsJaffa Cake
- Jen PattersonMaggie