Orphans (1997)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Peter Mullan

Writer:

Peter Mullan (writer)

Release Date:

21 April 1999 (France)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

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.

Plot Keywords:

Funeral | Church | Brother | Family Relationships | Death

Awards:

10 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

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)

Runtime:

101 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Australia:MA | New Zealand:R18 | Iceland:16 | France:-12 | UK:18

Filming Locations:

Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland, UK

Company:

Antoinine Green Bridge

Soundtrack:

Ye Can Come and See the Baby

So misunderstood...

I've noticed that what people seem to miss in their reviews of this fine movie is that the characters aren't really supposed to be likeable. This is not a Meg Ryan romantic comedy, it's a tough, gritty ultra-realistic portrayal of the poor sections of Scotland's largest city and the people who inhabit them. I mean really... if you're looking for "Sleepless In Seattle", this movie is not for you. If you're concerned about the language - as some previous reviewers have been - take my advice; avoid this movie and avoid Glasgow. People really talk like that.

Mullen, already an accomplished actor both on stage and film, shows that his talent stretches far beyond performance and delivers both in the script and directorally a solid and enjoyably depressing movie with equal laughs and tears. It puts the viewer on a relentless, unforgiving emotional rollercoaster; up in parts and down the next with little warning and not much time to adjust. This makes for uncomfortable viewing at times, but therein lies the genius behind it.

It amazes me that people waste time on the pointless "Trainspotting" when gems like 'Orphans' (and "My Name Is Joe") are around. It's masterful film-making, taking realistic characters and settings down dark and noirish surrealistic scenarios with spot-on performances by all. If you know Glasgow, you'll see it in all its glory, good and bad, perfectly portrayed on the screen. If you're not from Glasgow but you have an open mind, don't miss it.

And remember... every f**ker loves Connolly. ;)