A Ken Loach film about a depressed postman called Eric from Manchester whose two stepsons take advantage of him and whose wife has left him. He has a good group of friends at work who try to raise his spirits, but it isn't until the Manchester United legend Eric Cantona comes to him in a cannabis-inspired vision that he begins to rebuild his self-esteem and take back charge of his life.
Cantona gives an amusing performance as a slightly exaggerated version of himself as footballer-philosopher-god. He becomes a mentor for his namesake, Eric, a life coach, if you will, an imaginary friend. The hilarious climax nicely overcomes the darker side of the film, which at times is reminiscent of Loach's Sweet Sixteen (2002).
Nugget: not just for Cantona and Manchester United fans. A grand ensemble piece with a beautifully balanced performance full of pathos by Steve Evets as Eric the postman. One of his stepsons, played by Gerard Kearns, appeared in The Mark of Cain.
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