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Orphans (1997)
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Overview
User Rating:
Your Rating:
Director:
Writer:
Peter Mullan (writer)
Release Date:
21 April 1999 (France)
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Tagline:
Are YOUR parents a burden?
Plot:
Four siblings gathered together for their mother's funeral in Glasgow face individual torments over night during a tumultuous storm that rips the roof off the church. full summary | add synopsis
Awards:
10 wins
&
2 nominations
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User Reviews:
one of the most unique films ever
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Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Douglas Henshall | ... | Michael | |
| Gary Lewis | ... | Thomas | |
| Rosemarie Stevenson | ... | Sheila | |
| Stephen McCole | ... | John | |
| Ann Swan | ... | Mother of Family | |
| Gilbert Martin | ... | Frank | |
| Jan Wilson | ... | Sandra (Woman in Bar) | |
| Lenny Mullan | ... | Julian (Bar Manager) | |
| Malcolm Shields | ... | Duncan | |
| June Brogan | ... | Mona | |
| Paul Doonan | ... | Lenny (Duncan's brother) | |
| Linda Cuthbert | ... | Evelyn (Waitress in Bar) | |
| Lex Keith | ... | Himself | |
| Hugh Ferris | ... | Himself | |
| Joel Strachan | ... | Neil (Lad in Toilet) |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
101 min
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Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
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Soundtrack:
You Take the High Road
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orphans is truly one of the best films i have seen in a long time. written and directed by peter mullan (who is already an amazing actor--miss julie, my name is joe), orphans takes us through the lives of four siblings who have to cope with the death of their mother. gary lewis (billy elliot) is the eldest, but most childish, son who cannot let go of mummy; stephen mccole (rushmore) is the juvenile delinquent of the family; rosemarie stevenson is their wheelchair-bound sister; and douglas henshall (twice upon a yesterday) is the adult of the lot who has to keep the family together. we see how each of the siblings deals with her death--whether it's by singing a song in a kareoke bar or getting into a brawl with another person, the siblings act on their emotions and often get into trouble.
the movie was a good mix of comedy (watch for the priceless scene with stephen mccole spying on a neighbour), drama, and action. douglas henshall was amazing, as he has to deal with his siblings as well as his own ex-wife and son while he is coping with mum's death. his character is so real and believeable. there are also many sweet scenes in the film, such as the scene in the beginning where they all remember being comforted by their mum during a storm. this movie kept me interested with its great script and acting, and everyone in it was excellent. stephen mccole especially did a great job--before orphans i knew his as just the mean scottish kid in rushmore. he represented the frustration of youth and also offered a lot of comic relief to the plot too. this is not your typical film, and i think it follows in the tradition of good scottish filmmaking. definitely check out orphans if you are looking for a dark comedy that is well-written with a cast of very talented actors. and it does come with subtitles, if you aren't good with scottish accents.