Loach has fashioned an achingly true portrait of a young man's despairing attempts to better his life, but coming up against social obstructions both visible and invisible.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 3, 2019

...a better-than-average slice-of-life kitchen-sink drama that benefits substantially from Compston's star-making performance.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 18, 2013

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Aug 11, 2012

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 7, 2008

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 30, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 6, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Jul 16, 2005

Under Loach's deft hand, it feels indisputably real ... An undeniable downer, but hellaciously well acted, brimming with compassion, and relevant in a way that doesn't chafe.

Full Review | Jan 21, 2005

Hollywood has manufactured a number of coming of age films of varying quality, yet it's difficult to think of one that tops this powerful character study

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Dec 11, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Sep 12, 2004

You want Liam to succeed. You want a happy ending. You want to try to understand the heavy Scottish accents without reading the subtitles mercifully provided by Loach.

Full Review | Apr 30, 2004

Another fine Loach film that refuses to sentimentalize the plight of the poor and disenfranchised. Compston is a real find.

Full Review | Original Score: 82/100 | Jan 30, 2004

The story is extremely powerful. This is a very depressing film, but also very well crafted.

Full Review | Original Score: A | Jan 12, 2004

Its bleak tale was lightly delivered and filled with a wry Scottish wit and a poignant social realism that rang true.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Oct 26, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Oct 10, 2003

Sweet Sixteen is a wonderfully bittersweet effort, and one of Loach's best works.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Oct 8, 2003

Loach tends to get a little preachy, but his skill is undeniable. His messages strike harsh and true.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Aug 8, 2003

Using mostly unknown and first-time actors, Loach spins a passable coming-of-age tale, which should please his fans and provides a diversion for the rest of us.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 7, 2003

There are some terrific performances. Scottish TV star Compston makes Liam quite sympathetic; despite his character's many failings, you want the best for him and his family.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jul 25, 2003

The combination of its casual violence, its street sense and a loose cinematography makes the film feel like a documentary.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 18, 2003