Raining Stones (2007)

Social realist director Ken Loach continued his early 1990s resurgence with another unflinching look at modern-day, working class Britain. Though the film's plot is as simple as a fable -- a proud father fumbles his way through odd jobs to buy his daughter a communion dress -- Loach undermines the potential for slapstick humor and saccharine sentiment. When Stones veers into darker, more tragic territory in its third act, the shift feels organic to the characters and their economic situation. Loach again proves his skill at nurturing unprofessional talent: newcomer Bruce Jones dovetails perfectly with such experienced character actors as Tom Hickey. Stones garnered Loach another Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, following his win in 1990 for Hidden Agenda. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide