Looking for Eric

Ken Loach builds his most playful film around Eric Bishop, a depressed Manchester postal worker whose life is unraveling — until Eric Cantona materialises in his bedroom to offer existential advice in heavily-accented English. Loach uses the conceit to tell a serious story about working-class community, addiction and recovery, with Cantona's enigmatic philosopher-king as the film's still center. Funnier and warmer than Loach's reputation suggests.

• Eric Cantona plays himself in the protagonist's mind.
• Ken Loach's first film with a famous athlete co-star.
• Steve Evets plays Eric Bishop, the Manchester postman.
• Cantona co-produced and pitched the original concept.
• Won the Ecumenical Jury Prize at Cannes 2009.

• He who is afraid to throw the dice will never throw a six.
• I am not a man. I am Cantona.
• Sometimes we forget you can surprise yourself.
• You must trust your teammates. Or you cannot play.
• Of course it's serious. It's bloody football, isn't it?