RUSSIA, FRANCE
1991 – DCP – color – 95’

Direction: Ken Loach

Screenplay: Bill Jesse

Cinematography: Barry Ackroyd

Editing: Jonathan Morris

Set design: Martin Johnson

Music: Stewart Copeland

Costumes: Wendy Knowles

Cast: Robert Carlyle (Stevie), Emer MacCourt (Susan), Richard Belgrave (Kojo), Jim R. Coleman (Shem), David Finch (Kevin), Garrie J. Lammin (Mick)

Producer: Sally Hibbin

Production: Parallax Pictures, Channel Four Films

SINOPSIS

It is London, during the last Thatcher government, Stevie, a young laborer, has just been released from prison and sleeps wherever he can while looking for work. Hired at a construction site, he finds himself in a diverse world held together by a sense of cheerful solidarity that enables him to cope with the economic difficulties of the moment. Among everyone, Larry stands out, possessing a strong sense of responsibility towards his co-workers and it is thanks to him that Stevie can squat in an empty flat. When Stevie meets Susan, who acts and sings in the London underworld, it is instant love between them, but the happiness cannot last too long. At work Larry’s union recriminations do not please the site manager, while Stevie must come to terms with his troubled past.

Critical Note

“(…) Riff Raff is notable for its sparse and lean tone: the raw violence of language is counterbalanced by a restrained, neorealist style. The portrayals of the two main characters, Stevie and Susan, are particularly well-crafted (…), as well as that of the good-natured Larry. (…) The clear distinction between positive and negative values, the director’s ‘Pietas’ in denouncing spiritual and socio-environmental decline without unnecessary affectation, the formal qualities such as the restrained and incisive acting of both lead and supporting actors, the excellent cinematography, and the effective screenplay make this film one of Ken Loach’s most powerful works.” (Segnalazioni cinematografiche, vol. 112, 1991)

PREMI E FESTIVAL

1991 Cannes Film Festival – Concorso Competition: Premio FIPRESCI Award
1991 Valladolid IFF: Spiga d’Argento, Premio della Giuria Giovani Silver Spike, Youth Jury Award
1991 European Film Award: Miglior Film Europeo dell’Anno European Film of the Year

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