Loach is not a director of notable style, nor can he often refuse the obvious shot, but he seems to have a remarkable talent for handling actors and obtaining performances that are truly memorable.
– Vincent Canby,
New York Times,
9 May 2005
fresh:
Terrific performances, illuminated by Chris Menges' naturalistic but often evocative photography.
– Geoff Andrew,
Time Out,
24 Jun 2006
fresh:
Simply, the filmmakers have brought the background of the boy's life vividly into reality.