Darth Stujitzu's favourite Scottish Movies; No room for Braveheart shocker!

[Darth Stujitzu]

For those who don't know, I'm a very patriotic scotsman, despite not being discovered as the Scottish Spielberg yet, here are some of my favourite Scottish movies.

1. Shallow Grave 1994

Danny Boyle's first feature film debut. This is a classic film noir, set in Edinburgh.
The film revolves around 3 bored flatmates who are in search of a fourth flatmate to help pay the rent. After several often comedic interviews, they meet Hugo( Keith Allen) and decide to offer him the room. Hugo moves in and stays in his room for several days, eventually his flatmates break into his room and discover Hugo dead with a suitcase full of money. The dilemma; call the police or dispose of the body and keep the money. Of course they keep the money, but at what cost to their friendship, their lives and their sanity.

This is an excellent first film from Boyle, as well as introducing the director it also gave Ewan McGregor and Christopher Eccleston(The most recent incarnation of Dr. Who) their big breaks, taught, funny, gorry , loaded with suspense, and of course a wicked twist ending.
I much prefer this film to his next movie Trainspotting, but then I'm a big Hitchcock fan and love film noir. Rating 4/5.

2. Gregory's Girl 1981

This is the ultimate Scottish feel good movie. Bill Forsyth's awkward teenage coming of age comedy, stars John Gordon-Sinclair as beanpole Gregory, a clumsy, shy boy who falls for Dorothy.
Dorothy is the first girl to play for the school's football(soccer if you're American) team, and is lusted after by the majority of the school's male population. After drumming up the courage to ask Dorothy out, Gregory finds himself at the mercy of Dorothy's pals and an elabourate game of cat and mouse, before coming to a surprising climax.
Heart-warming and familiar to many of us that have suffered teenage angst towards the opposite sex. It's also one of the funniest Scottish films I've seen, and was also responsabile for the rebirth of Scottish film. Rating 4.5/5

[Darth Stujitzu]

3. Restless Natives 1985.

Michael Hoffman's modern day Robin Hood.
Will and Ronnie are 2 friends going nowhere fast with their lives, determined to do something bold, they devise a plan to hold up the many tourist busses of Scotland and make some money. Their guise? A clown's mask and a werewolf's mask. After successful hold ups, the boys decide to share their wealth with the local community, while Will develops a crush on one of the bus' stewardesses.
A cracking comedy that makes great use of the Scottish wilderness and scenery, with a sharp cameo role from Ned Beatty(he does have a pretty mouth-Deliverance) add to this heroic comedy, as the boys become more successful, the more the police are determined to bring them to justice, will they get away with it, will they get the girl?
Rating 4/5

4.[B]Wilbur wants to kill himself. 2003
Lone Scherfig's bitter sweet black comedy about suicide. Wilbur is deeply unhappy with his life and has decided to commit suicide. So far his unsuccessful attempts have only resulted in a few seconds of brain death. Wilbur and his brother Harbour run a bookshop inherited from their parents, they take in a young mother and daughter and form a strange kind of family. What follows is a dark humoured film about love, family and death. Thankfully the humour stops the film from ever being depressing, but essentially it's a Scottish type of humour, and I'm not sure how it would translate outside of Scotland.
A very enjoyable film, made in partnership with Denmark, Sweden and France. The Danish director has gone on record, stating that the Danes and scots have a similar sense of humour, on this proof, I totally agree. A bold first foreign language directorial, not for everyone. Rating 4/5.

[Darth Stujitzu]

5.Young Adam 2003

David MacKenzie's adaptation of Alexander Trocchi's 1954 novel.
Joe(McGregor) is a nihilistic young drifter, who's only joy in life is his seedy sexual adventures. Joe is helping Les(Peter Mullan)and his wife Ella(Tilda Swinton) on their barge on the river Clyde. Joe and Les find a young woman's corpse floating on the river, but is this the first encounter Joe has had with the girl? This is a dark disturbing tale of Joe and his lack of guilt over what happened to the girl, and his ultimate betrayal of Les and the ensuing affair he has with Ella. MacKenzie uses dreech and drab colours to make this film look and feel like the 50's, he seems to capture the industrial town Glagow was, and there are fine performances from all the cast, especially McGregor who plays against type.
Dark and gritty. Rating 3.5/5

6.Strictly Sinatra 2001

Peter Capaldi's story follows Toni Cocozza(Ian Hart) a small time Sinatra impersonator living in Glasgow. Toni becomes friends with local mob boss Cononolly(Cuthbertson) and his right hand man Chisolm(Brian Cox). Toni is seduced by his new found fame, believing his life is parralelling Sinatra and his mob connections, that is until things get nasty and Toni begins to realize he's in over his head.
Will Toni escape, is it too late, is he in too deep? Rating 3.5/5

[Darth Stujitzu]

Just a few suggestions, other films I've liked are;
Small Faces 1996.
Local Hero 1983.
Dog Soldiers 2002.
American Cousins 2003.
16 Years of Alcohol 2003.

Some Films to avoid at all costs;
Morvern Callar 2002
Orphans 1997
Late night shopping 2001.


The worst Scottish movie ever, if not the world's worst is; Richard Jobson's " THE PURIFIERS "

For the love of God, don't subject yourself or you're loved ones to this!!!!


Anyone that wants me to expand on any of the above mentioned, just ask.

[Darth Stujitzu]

O.K. to most people, Braveheart and Trainspotting are the best known Scottish movies, so here's a quick review on both.

Braveheart 1995.

Mel Gibson's take on Scottish legend William Wallace(Gibson) was great, if not totally historically acurate. Filmed mostly in Ireland( Scotland wouldn't give Gibson the tax breaks) it tells the story of Wallace's historic uprising against the superiorly numbered English, and their king Edward(McGoohan). This is an epic film, yeah, I cried at the end, and Gibson's famous speech about " Freedom " is used before every Scotland game to gee up the fans. Indeed our new National Anthem Flower of Scotland, revels in this period of history when first Wallace and then Robert the Bruce defeated the English and "sent them homeward tae think again". Sorry, got all Sean Connery there! Don't really have a problem with Braveheart at all, but as alredy stated, it was filmed in Ireland. Rating 4.5/5

[B]Trainspotting 1996

Danny Boyle's follow up to Shallow Grave could not have been more different, no film noir here, instead we have a story revolving round a group of drug addicts based in Edinburgh. I was really surprised that this film did so well in America, it's a very dark, bleak film with loads of typical Scottish humour. I did hear that the film was sub-titled, can anyone enlighten me on this? There are very strong performances especially from McGregor and Robert Carlyle, it is a visualy stunning and disturbing film, that pulls few punches, and it's complimented by a superb soundtrack. Trainspotting was responsabile for re-awakening scottish film, Boyle, McGregor and Carlyle are all on top of their game. Rating 4/5.

[Lance McCool]

No love for Rob Roy?

http://www.kiltmen.com/greatkilt.jpg

[Tacitus]

Just a few suggestions, other films I've liked are;
Small Faces 1996.
Local Hero 1983.
Dog Soldiers 2002.
American Cousins 2003.
16 Years of Alcohol 2003.

Some Films to avoid at all costs;
Morvern Callar 2002
Orphans 1997
Late night shopping 2001.

Anyone that wants me to expand on any of the above mentioned, just ask.

Good to see Dog Soldiers mentioned. I don't think it's a great film, but it's tremendous fun.

[Sedai]

Great thread Darth. I gave you rep recently, so I can't give you any for this thread until I hit some other folks up with some as well. I think I told you already, but I just watched Shallow Grave again recently. Such a good film!

[Darth Stujitzu]

No love for Rob Roy?

http://www.kiltmen.com/greatkilt.jpg


Rob Roy was o.k, but it lumbered a bit and always felt like Braveheart's poorer cousin. Liam Neeson was nothing special in the role, not a huge fan of Tim Roth, but John Hurt and Brian Cox were both good. I think Rob Roy suffered because Braveheart was a bigger, more action packed Hollywood style movie. Perhaps if Rob Roy had been released before Braveheart it would have done better.
I always support Michael Caton-Jones as a director, for me he hasn't made a standout movie yet, but I enjoyed The Jackal, City by the Sea , This Boy's Life, Doc Hollywood, Memphis Belle, and Scandal. Plus he supports the same football team as myself, now if only he'd give me a job.

Tim Roth is a good actor, but there is something about him I just don't like. Hope you don't hold this against me Lance McCool!!!

[Darth Stujitzu]

Good to see Dog Soldiers mentioned. I don't think it's a great film, but it's tremendous fun.

Yeah, Dog Soldiers was a fun movie to watch, I'm looking forward to Neil Marshall's new film THE DESCENT, it looks really creapy, Friday night movie to take a girl to, loads of frights!!!
Kevin McKidd the lead actor is also good in Trainspotting, Small Faces and 16 Years of Alcohol.
However under no circumstances should you watch THE PURIFIERS, it's easily one of the worst movies ever!!

You Have Been Warned!!!

[Darth Stujitzu]

It wasn't until this morning I remembered the worst Scottish movie of all time, so here's a quick review to save you from going through the same pain and years of therapy as myself.

The Purifiers 2003

Richard Jobson's second film after 16 Years of Alcohol. A martial arts movie set in Glasgow, o.k, the warning signs were there. I had been in discussion with Richard Jobson over some of my own scripts, he seemed totally disintrested, but as I got up to leave, he gave me some tickets for the premier of his new film.
I turned up to the premier with an open mind, Richard had described it as a good fun karate movie that was suitable for kids. Less than 20 mins into the film, people started walking, others started laughing for no apparent reason at what was supposed to be the " Serious dialogue ", but like the war hardened cinema goer I am, I stuck it out to the bitter end. I needed several showers afterwards, and I still don't think my eyes have ever forgiven me, next time I'll just roll them in salt rather than watch this film again.
The main problems with this movie is it caters neither to kids or adults, the fight scenes are a joke, Dominic Monaghan(Merry the Hobbit from LOTR) is especially embarrasing, he looks like he couldn't fight sleep let alone anybody else, the dialogue is horrible and stilted beyond belief, especially Kevin McKidd the main villan of the piece sound like he's pronouncing every vowel as a form of Chinese Water-Torture.

I seriously can't think of one redeeming feature in this film, it looks like a school project made by 12 year olds, though come to think of it the 12 year olds would have done a better job!

There was supposed to be a question/answer after the film with Jobson for the press, needless to say he didn't re-appear, and I left feeling like I'd lost 90 mins of my life for nothing. Even now I still shudder at the memory of this film, don't expect to see this in a video store near you, it seems to have sunk without a trace, there was no cinema release. So be warned, unless you're the FBI's guy responsabile for coming up with new ways to torture(allegedly) captives, avoid this like the plague!!!!

I'm off for several showers and a lie down. I never heard from Jobson again, maybe somebody up there likes me.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Great thread, Darth, though I have to disagree with you about Morvern Callar. Samantha Mathis is good in it and it's an interesting story. Nevertheless, this thread is the sort of thing I need for British cinema. Again: if they're speaking English, I can't keep track of where it was made. Thanks for the info. :)

[Darth Stujitzu]

Great thread, Darth, though I have to disagree with you about Morvern Callar. Samantha Mathis is good in it and it's an interesting story. Nevertheless, this thread is the sort of thing I need for British cinema. Again: if they're speaking English, I can't keep track of where it was made. Thanks for the info. :)

Cheers C,
just thought Morvern Callar dragged its feet a little for me. Perhaps it was just the mood I was in, I almost ended up working as an extra on this film, but I've got a face for radio!!! :rotfl:

Haven't seen Lyne Ramsays first film Ratcatcher, but it got loads of good reviews, especially as it was her debut feature.
I will check it out and get back to you.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Hey Darth~ I haven't seen Ratcatcher either, but have heard good things. I'll see if I can catch it soon and we can do duelling reviews. :)

[Darth Stujitzu]

Hey Darth~ I haven't seen Ratcatcher either, but have heard good things. I'll see if I can catch it soon and we can do duelling reviews. :)

Is that similar to duelling banjos??? He does have a pretty mouth!
That movie still disturbs me to this day! :eek:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Ya know, I still haven't seen Deliverance. I've lived it, of course, doing theater in N. Carolina, but haven't seen it. Maybe it's about time.

[Darth Stujitzu]

Ya know, I still haven't seen Deliverance. I've lived it, of course, doing theater in N. Carolina, but haven't seen it. Maybe it's about time.


It's a great film, not for the faint-hearted, but IMO one of Burt Reynold's best. Plus its got Jon Voigt, a brilliant actor and the unfortunate Ned Beatty. I bet Ned Beatty never lived down that sequence from Deliverence. Still its one of those movies everyone seems to know, let me know what you think.

[Pyro Tramp]

Wow, Deliverance, i'll never forget innocently flicking the channel and hearing "scream like a piggy", sigh, traumatising.

Anyway, nice thread, i'll be honest and admit the only film i've seen is Shallow Grave, but Dog Soldiers, ****in' aye! The Descent has just started to be trailered, looking forward to it!

As for Ratcatcher, seen bits, not really a fan of the whole kitchen sink genre.

Oh, and how to you interpret Shallow Grave's last shot? Dead/Alive?

[Darth Stujitzu]

Wow, Deliverance, i'll never forget innocently flicking the channel and hearing "scream like a piggy", sigh, traumatising.

Anyway, nice thread, i'll be honest and admit the only film i've seen is Shallow Grave, but Dog Soldiers, ****in' aye! The Descent has just started to be trailered, looking forward to it!

As for Ratcatcher, seen bits, not really a fan of the whole kitchen sink genre.

Oh, and how to you interpret Shallow Grave's last shot? Dead/Alive?

For me, McGregor's dead, a bitter sweet ending. Talking of umbigious endings, what's your take on Jacob's Ladder???

[Tacitus]

For me, McGregor's dead, a bitter sweet ending. Talking of umbigious endings, what's your take on Jacob's Ladder???

It's a deathbed dream innit?

[Sedai]

RE: Shallow - Dead, because it's film noir, and they never make it.

RE: Ladder - Yup, I am with Tacitus on this one.

[Pyro Tramp]

Yeah, dead for me on S/G

[Blister]

Trainspotting and Dog Soldiers are good Scottish films. Will be checking out some other films that are mentioned as soon as I get some money (which should be soon)

[Tacitus]

Is Dog Soldiers Scottish or just set in Scotland?

[Darth Stujitzu]

Is Dog Soldiers Scottish or just set in Scotland?


Its set in the Scottish Highlands, but was shot largely in Luxembourg.
Yet another Scottish film, not actually shot in Scotland!!!
Braveheart was mostly shot in Ireland for those who didn't know. :bawling:

[Tacitus]

Its set in the Scottish Highlands, but was shot largely in Luxembourg.
Yet another Scottish film, not actually shot in Scotland!!!
Braveheart was mostly shot in Ireland for those who didn't know. :bawling:

Ahhh of course - I remember from the commentary (which is excellent btw).

[nebbit]

Great thread Darth, I love shallow grave. :D

[Darth Stujitzu]

Ae fond kiss 2004 directed by Ken Loach

Ken Loach's modern love tale is an inter-racial Romeo and Juliet set in Glasgow. Not my normal choice of viewing, but the fact that the lead male character in the film Casim is played by a mate who used to play football with me, swayed me on this film.
Casim (Atta Yaqub) is a young muslim living and working in Glasgow as a dj, he harbours ambitions to one day own his own super-club, meanwhile Roisin (Eva Birthistle) is a young catholic music teacher at Tahara's (Casim's younger sister) school.
After an eventfull first meeting, Casim and Roisin eventually become embroiled in a passionate love affair that is doomed from the start. Casim's parents have arranged for Casim to be married, and in his heart Casim knows that his traditional parents would never accept Roisin as a suitable partner. Casim is torn between his love for Roisin, and tearing his family apart. Meanwhile Roisin feels the wrath of her local catholic priest with devastating effects.

What Loach attempts to do is engage the viewer in the young lover's plight, comparisons can be drawn to Romeo and Juliet, as predujices come from both sides, often with heart breaking and realistic dialogue. On top of this Loach is also showing the difficulties in being a young Scottish Muslim in today's society, the hypercritical issues that plague many second generation muslims, who are brought up in a multi-cultural western society but still expected to adhere to traditional muslim practices such as arranged marriage.

Loach has often been seen to make films that are closer to documentaries, the realistic tone and dialogue, hard hitting subjects, and raw reactions are all part of his movies. Many times he uses first time actors to help potray this raw realistic response that form important aspects of his films, sometimes with varying degrees of success.

In my opinion, you have to be in the right frame of mind to watch Loach films, he has a particular style that won't suit everyone, but if it is realistic kitchen-sink drama you are looking for, his films will forfill your needs.

Rating 3/5.

[nebbit]

Thanks Darth, I will certainly what this one when I am in the right mood. :yup:

[Darth Stujitzu]

The Debt Collector 1999 Directed by Anthony Neilson

The Debt Collector is based partially on a true story about reformed convicted killer and career criminal from the backstreets of Glasgow.

Billy Connolly plays Nickie Dryden, said reformed criminal, who on his release from prison attends the opening night gala of his sculptures he carved whilst imprisoned.
Dryden is now married to the sculpting teacher from prison, and has set his sights on a new life away from his notorious past, but there are two main obsticales in his path. Firstly his arresting officer Gary Keltie(Ken Stott) seems stuck in the past, and wastes no time in crashing Dryden's opening night party and defacing one of his sculptures, it appears that Keltie never moved on after Dryden's arrest, and has become a sad obssessed loner who still lives with his ageing mother.
Secondly is a young boy Flipper(Ian Robertson) who idolises Dryden and wants to be just like him, although Dryden continually rejects the boys advances, he becomes more determined and desperate in his actions to attract praise from Dryden.
Can Dryden leave his past behind and start a new life, or is the decision not in his hands?

Based on the life of notorious Glasgow gangster Jimmy Boyle, The Debt Collector doesn't do justice to his intriguing story, and falls flat by way of some very poor acting.
Connolly is an enigma when it comes to acting, I have seen him in several movies, and I still don't really know what to make of him as a serious actor, perhaps his world-wide fame as a comedian has affected my judgement. Keeping a straight face for the entirety of this movie was not enough for me, coupled with a below par performance from an unconvincing Stott, and a pretty poor effort from Robertson, I was left unmoved and unconvinced.
A huge dissapointment, handled the right way this could have been a gripping and moving thriller, instead of this lack-lustre poor imitation.

Rating 1.5/5

[nebbit]

Thanks Darth, I also would give this a 1.5/5 hugely disappointing. :yup:

[Strummer521]

where is Darth anyway? haven't seen him around lately.

[nebbit]

Umm he was here today :confused:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Are these real movies, or are you making them up? :suspicious:
I haven't heard of any of these. Wonder if I can Netflix 'em....

[Darth Stujitzu]

Are these real movies, or are you making them up? :suspicious:
I haven't heard of any of these. Wonder if I can Netflix 'em....



Check them out on www.imdb.com
My imagination is far more fruity than these little nuggets of Scottishness.
Just wait till I get the greenlight for some of my movies, only then will you see me in all my glorious madness!!!!! :scream:

[Darth Stujitzu]

American Cousins 2003 Directed by Don Coutts


A quirky low budget rom/com from director Don Coutts, which plays heavily on loyalty, especially towards family.

Two Mafia hitmen are forced to hide out in their Scottish cousin's ice cream parlour, when a deal with the Russian mafia goes badly wrong. To their surprise, their cousin has nothing to do with the criminal underworld, and goes about his daily business of running an old school Italian ice cream parlour, and collecting stamps in his spare time.
Roberto( Lepkowski) has problems of his own, a violent debt collector has his eye on Roberto's cafe, slowly Roberto realises that his American Cousins are not all that they seem, and that perhaps the PR business is not their only income.

More comedy than romance, this is a harmless feelgood piece of fluff,
and was probably given more status by the impressive cameo roles of Dan Hadaya as Settimo, and Vincent Pastore (Big Pussy from the Sopranos) as Tony.

Rating 3.5/5

[Darth Stujitzu]

Local Hero 1983 Directed by Bill Forsyth


Bill Forsyth's quaint tale of how a small village in the north of Scotland is turned upside down by the proposed buy out by a wealthy American oil company.

The head of a huge American oil company Happer ( Burt Lancaster ) dispatches his right hand man Mac ( Reigert-better known as Boon from Animal House) to the remote highlands of Scotland to push through the deal that will enable them to build a refinery where the village stands. With the help of local business man Urquhart ( Lawson of Star Wars fame-Wedge Antilles/Red 2, and uncle of Ewan McGregor!) they set off to complete the smooth transition of the sale, but the locals seem more canny than first reconed, and there is the stumbling block of local hermit Knok who owns the beach.
Mac is ultimately won over by the locals, especially the webbed footed Marina, and even a surprise visit by Happer has an unusual outcome.

A slightly dated looking film, it still has genuine warmth and appeal, and at the time Bill Forsyth was on top of his game, after the hugely successful " Gregory's Girl " one of my all time favourite Scottish films.

Rating 3.5/5

[Darth Stujitzu]

Comfort and Joy 1984 Directed by Bill Forsyth


Rounding up my hat-trick of Forsyth movies, comes his 1984 comedy about Glasgow's notorious ice cream wars. Based on the murderous and deadly competing ice cream families, and their turf wars of the early 80's.


It seems strange that life should be lost over ice cream, but this was back when Glasgow was a very dangerous and unwelcoming city, Forsyth adds humour to the mix, and in his version there is minor violence but no fatalities. Local radio dj Alan Bird ( Bill Paterson) is alarmed when he witnesses a violent attack on an ice cream van, and subsequently embarks on a mission to help end the warring factions.
Paterson's portrayal of a mid life crisis dj, fed up with his lot in life; no one takes him seriously, his girlfriend has just left him ,and taken everything bar the shirt on his back, is a hugely enjoyable piece of acting.
Local Glasgow humour is in abundance, for example as Bird watches the attack on the ice cream van, he is stopped by one of the attackers who asks for a request on his radio show. Without local knowledge, I'm not too sure how this movie will translate for other audiences outside of Scotland.

Dated, but still funny!

Rating 3.5/5

[Darth Stujitzu]

The Crow Road 1996 Directed by Gavin Millar


Based on the novel by Iain Banks, the story revolves around Prentice(McFadden ) and the search for his long lost uncle Rory(Capaldi) who dissapeared some years ago on his way to visit his sister on the Crow Road. Prentice believes that his family are hiding a secret about Rory, and the more he investigates, the more he is pulled into a complex and dark disection of his family, who begin to die in peculiar circumstances at an alarming rate.

Originally shown as a three episode mini series, it has recently been released by the BBC as a DVD. This is a dark mysterious tale that kept me hooked and eager to find out what else was in store for the hapless Prentice. It also features a very young Dougray Scott (MI:2) and the excellent Bill Paterson, as well as a strong supporting cast.
For fans of Iain Bank's novels, this is a true and fair adaptation of one of his most famous novels.

Rating 4/5

[SamsoniteDelilah]

...Just wait till I get the greenlight for some of my movies, only then will you see me in all my glorious madness!!!!! :scream:
I'll be looking forward to it. :)

[Darth Stujitzu]

Thanks Darth, I also would give this a 1.5/5 hugely disappointing. :yup:


Cheers Nebbs, when are you going to do an Aussie film thread???

[nebbit]

Cheers Nebbs, when are you going to do an Aussie film thread???

Umm Errrrrrr are you going to help me with my reviews. :eek:

[Darth Stujitzu]

Umm Errrrrrr are you going to help me with my reviews. :eek:



Of course!!!! I will try my hardest to recommend some of my fave Aussie films. There must be loads of films that a lot of us haven't seen, similar to my Scottish thread.
Although I started my thread as my top 5 Scottish movies, I've since added many more, I hope it will encourage people to watch films that they have never seen or heard off, or warn them off certain films that appear good but are actually crap.
The back cover of every DVD would have you believe that the film within was great!!!
Back to your Aussie thread, start of with the better known films and just give your personal review. Everybody knows about Mad Max, Crocodile Dundee, Muriel's Wedding and Priscilla, so it's a good place to start. What about the new Aussie film Undead? Have you seen it?
You can be the first to review all things bright and new from OZ, remember WB has a huge studio in Sydney where the Matrix was filmed!
I'm 100% behind you, if you write it they will come!!! :yup: :kiss:

P.S. It also saves me from doing Darth Stujitzu's fave Aussie films thread, which would make me look like a know -it -all, and I don't want the other Mofos to know that till my evil plans are fully realised!
Beware of the Dark Side Yoda!!! :laugh:

[christine]

No mention of Whisky Galore? That's a gently funny film which I haven't seen for years - a great 'little man against the establishment' film.

Ratcatcher is one of the best British films of the 90s I think anyway, but then I'm a fan of so called kitchen sink drama ;)

Not seen a mention of Ken Loach's Sweet Sixteen - no one like that? The acting from the youngsters in that was excellent. Haven't seen Loach's other recent film set in Scotland Ae Fond Kiss.

Nice lot of reviews there Darth, including some films I'll look for now :)