Watch Raining Stones

Raining Stones is a British social realist film from 1993, directed by Ken Loach and written by Jim Allen. Set in Manchester during the early 90s, it tells the story of a struggling working-class family, the Williams. The film is a depiction of the harsh realities of poverty in contemporary Britain and how desperate measures can sometimes bring unpredictable consequences.

Bob Williams, played by Bruce Jones, is a man who is trying hard to provide for his family. He has a wife, Anne, played by Julie Brown, and two young daughters. He is also supporting his unemployed brother-in-law, Tommy, played by Ricky Tomlinson. Bob has a low-paid job as a laborer and is often struggling to pay his bills. His biggest concern is providing a Communion dress for his daughter, Coleen, played by Gemma Phoenix, which he cannot afford.

The film begins with Bob attempting to borrow money from a loan shark to buy the dress. However, the payment for the dress ends up going towards his debt to the loan shark, leading to tension between Bob and his wife. The film follows Bob's attempts to make enough money to repay the loan shark.

Throughout the film, Bob and Tommy take on various odd jobs, such as mowing lawns and fixing cars, to try to make ends meet. Bob also starts to steal things to sell, which puts him in further danger. His desperation leads him to take on jobs that compromise his dignity and integrity, culminating in a humiliating situation that puts his daughter's Communion in jeopardy.

Amidst all of this, Bob's daughter, Coleen, remains an innocent child, dreaming of a better life, but unaware of the family's financial struggles. Her innocence is juxtaposed with the harsh realities of her father's world.

The film showcases the complexity of poverty and the lengths that people will go to in order to survive. It also highlights the sense of community amongst those living in poverty and how they support one another, even in the toughest of circumstances.

The film's social message is delivered through its powerful performances, with Bruce Jones in particular delivering a nuanced portrayal of a man trying to do right by his family through any means necessary. Julie Brown and Gemma Phoenix also deliver standout performances in their respective roles.

Overall, Raining Stones is a poignant and realistic depiction of life in poverty in 90s Britain. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity and a call to action for social change. The film is a reminder that not everyone is born with equal opportunities, and we must strive to make a world where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

Raining Stones is a 1993 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.