“Sweet Sixteen is one of Loach’s strongest, most affecting works.” Kenneth Turan, LA Times

“ The actors, particularly first timer Martin Compston, are beguiling. Mr Loach does some of his best directing work here with his young actors.” Elvis Mitchell, New York Times

“Scottish star, Martin Compston, is marvellous- a screen natural.” Richard Corliss, Time

“ A tightly drawn (and beautifully played) picture of life on the margins. Sweet Sixteen sees Loach working at the top of his game … producing a film full of anger, frustration and heart.” The Independent

“ Ken Loach’s Sweet Sixteen is excellent … A tremendously natural and empathetic performance from Martin Compston … Loach is one of the few genuine masters of screen realism, and his skill with actors pays phenomenal dividends with the award-worthy Compston.” The Daily Telegraph

“Ken Loach’s Sweet Sixteen packs a sledgehammer punch … This is another triumph in the uncompromising social-realism idiom that Loach has refined over decades into a cinematic language … Martin Compston gives a terrific performance as Liam.” The Guardian

“Ken Loach is in exceptional form with Sweet Sixteen … A superbly modulated drama, steadily increasing its heart-wrenching quality via quiet,
un-manipulative means …This is an affecting, entirely believable story .. Performances are utterly naturalistic without a forced emotional moment … Compston is particularly naturalistic, displaying the character’s intelligences, resourcefulness, toughness and cheek while subtly exposing his needs and vulnerability. “ Variety

“ Youngster sparkles in tale of life in the raw headline. A heartfelt,
hard-edged tale of life in the raw. Brilliantly played by non-professional newcomer Martin Compston … Sweet Sixteen is far from gloomy. Laverty captures much of the salty humour and sassy attitudes of a community that faces adversity with defiance rather than dejection .. The real find of the film is professional footballer Compston. … Screen International

“ Ken Loach’s Cannes competition entry Sweet Sixteen marks a welcome return to the world of his most successful films … Liam and Pinball are a delight as they brilliantly perpetrate one gutsy, outrageous scam after another … A movie that reflects so deeply, and so powerfully, on the savagery and innocence of youth.” IndieWIRE

“Passionate, tender and true….a storming debut from Martin Compston.” **** Alan Morrison, Empire

“The film boasts some stunning debut performances…Compston is particularly impressive in the lead role.
The most powerful film of the year by a mile.” ***** Jonathan Wilkins, Hotdog

"Bittersweet, funny, exciting and stomach-churning, Sweet 16 rubs your
nerves till they're raw and bleeding. No doubt about it: this is Ken
Loach's best film since Kes" **** Ceri Thomas, Total Film

“Extraordinary…this picture is moving, funny and utterly memorable” Woman & Home

“ A brilliant turn to form for director Ken Loach.” Front

“This is urgent, powerful stuff- it really jolts you into feeling.” David Cox, I.D.

Release Date: 4 Oct
Distributor: Icon
Cert: TBC
Running Time: 105 Mins