"My name is Daniel Blake. I am a man, not a dog."
Director: Ken Loach
Cast: Dave Johns, Hayley Squires, Briana Shann, Dylan McKiernan, Kate Rutter
I, Daniel Blake — Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
I, Daniel Blake, am a citizen, nothing more, nothing less.
Context
From the speech Daniel wrote for his appeal, which he never gets to deliver. Katie reads it at his pauper's funeral.
Meaning
The film's thesis statement. It rejects all labels (client, service user, scrounger) in favor of the most fundamental political unit: the citizen, who holds inherent rights.
My name is Daniel Blake. I am a man, not a dog. As such, I demand my rights. I demand you treat me with respect.
Context
Part of the final eulogy/speech.
Meaning
A demand for basic human dignity in the face of a system that treats people like animals or statistics.
When you lose your self-respect, you're done for.
Context
Daniel speaking to Katie after realizing she has turned to sex work to survive.
Meaning
Highlights that the psychological toll of poverty is just as deadly as the physical toll.
We're digital by default.
Context
Spoken dismissively to Daniel when he asks for a paper form because he cannot use a computer.
Meaning
Epitomizes the exclusion of the elderly and poor who may not have computer skills or access.
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