Orphans (1998)

Orphans: Directed by Peter Mullan. With Douglas Henshall, Gary Lewis, Rosemarie Stevenson, Stephen McCole. 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.

“Iu0026#39;ve noticed that what people seem to miss in their reviews of this fine movie is that the characters arenu0026#39;t really supposed to be likeable. This is not a Meg Ryan romantic comedy, itu0026#39;s a tough, gritty ultra-realistic portrayal of the poor sections of Scotlandu0026#39;s largest city and the people who inhabit them. I mean really… if youu0026#39;re looking for u0026quot;Sleepless In Seattleu0026quot;, this movie is not for you. If youu0026#39;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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMullen, 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. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIt amazes me that people waste time on the pointless u0026quot;Trainspottingu0026quot; when gems like u0026#39;Orphansu0026#39; (and u0026quot;My Name Is Joeu0026quot;) are around. Itu0026#39;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, youu0026#39;ll see it in all its glory, good and bad, perfectly portrayed on the screen. If youu0026#39;re not from Glasgow but you have an open mind, donu0026#39;t miss it.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAnd remember… every f**ker loves Connolly. ;)”