Murmurs of Ken Loach’s retirement from feature films emanated from his long-time producer Rebecca O'Brien - via Screen Daily - who stated that he still has "a few documentary ideas kicking around." In ‘Jimmy’s Hall’, Loach’s 'final' feature was intended to be a thoughtful drama, deeply rooted in history.

Ken LoachKen Loach isn't quite finished yet

But Loach, a celebrated filmmaker with a glittering career, admitted that his retirement announcement was voiced in "a moment of maximum pressure" during the production of his ‘last’ film. "It's a hard job to give up, really," added the 77-year-old, according to The AP. 

More: 'Jimmy's Hall' Isn't The Swan Song Ken Loach's Career Deserves, Agree The Critics

This could partly be down to pride, and that’s no bad thing. ‘Jimmy’s Hall’ - which Sony Pictures Classics acquired for distribution ahead of its debut at Cannes - hasn’t enthralled the critics in the same way that most of Loach’s back catalogue has. 

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“Reports of Ken Loach's "retirement" have been greatly exaggerated -- which is welcome news, as the frustratingly inert Jimmy's Hall would have been a bathetic end to such an important and inspirational career,” wrote Neil Young of The Hollywood Reporter. “What we're left with is an odd, only fitfully engaging hybrid of The Quiet Man and Footloose, which neither packs much of a punch nor is particularly nimble on its feet.”

More: Ken Loach Drops Retirement Hint At Berlin Film Festival

So as Loach looks likely to direct again, we are reminded of his way; he’s an ‘old-school’ director, most likely unperturbed by critical response and box office sales. With his art, Loach does things his way, like continuing to not only shoot, but edit on film rather than digital. "You can check on the cricket score, you can get a cup of coffee," said Loach of his techniques. "It's a much more human way of working."