Riff Raff

Film Details

Cast

Robert Carlyle, Ricky Tomlinson, Emer McCourt

Technical Details

Quite simply a masterpiece of film, The film follows the fortunes of unemployed buiding workers who make ends meet by moonlighting illegally ont buliding sights in Lon... more >

Quite simply a masterpiece of film, The film follows the fortunes of unemployed buiding workers who make ends meet by moonlighting illegally ont buliding sights in London. Robert Carlyle is excellent as the protagonist, however he is supported by "stock" realist acting talent in the shape of Ricky Tomlinson a an aray of non professinol actors providing sterling banter throughout. Unfortunatly due to the political overtones contained in Ken Loachs ever growing body of work this film never really attracted the attention that it sould have. A must see film, see also
"Raining Stones with Stockports Bruce Jones(Les Battersby) this is also a Loach masterclass in the art of naturalism.(Can you tell Im a fan yet)
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A key Britfilm of the 90s. Loachs saga of itinerant builders ducking and diving to make ends meet can now justifiably be seen as some kind of blueprint for the phenome... more >

A key Britfilm of the 90s. Loachs saga of itinerant builders ducking and diving to make ends meet can now justifiably be seen as some kind of blueprint for the phenomenal success of The Full Monty. Also notable for a terrific early Robert Carlyle performance. Funny, wise and unmistakably Ken Loach. CJ. < less

View all 36 of Chris Jones’s reviews

Witty and naturalistic, Riff-Raff has strong messages for workers in Thatchers Britain; drugs, day-dreams and horoscope escapisms are out, mutual support and retaliati... more >

Witty and naturalistic, Riff-Raff has strong messages for workers in Thatchers Britain; drugs, day-dreams and horoscope escapisms are out, mutual support and retaliation, in! There are vintage Robert Carlyle and Ricky Tomlinson roles, plus an unforgettable foreman who sees laziness everywhere except in his own tea-leaves. (Winner of 2 prizes at Cannes) < less