Aderyn Papur... and Pigs Might Fly

Exquisite, and pigs might fly is a worthy entry into the welsh language film canon, just a shame it is no longer more widely available. The exploration of childhood themes, the evocation of the welsh countryside and the themes of loss, potential and more innocent times is quite wonderful. Despite some unusual plot turns and twists the central ideas hold firm throughout and the actors are the fulcrum on which this delightful tale rests. The subtle understated performance of Llewelyn jones takes the breath away. The tragedy of his unfulfilled career ranks alongside that of other child actors turned troubled adults such as Macaulay culkin and drew Barrymore, but at least we will always have this sepia tinted memory.

Who watches Welsh language films these days..? Well me, for one. This is a beautifully shot exploration of rural Wales, sunk in unemployment and recession, through he eyes of a young boy. If any Welsh film has captured the feel of the times with such sensitivity and style, it'll be this one.

There's a great feeling of optimism in this film, despite the times. A favourite moment for me, is when the young lead spies Japanese businessmen scouting for locations for a possible factory near an old quarry. Wearing transparent plastic raincoats, they look just like aliens in this landscape, which fuels the boy's imagination even further and propelling him towards a reationship with them that brings so much to the story.

A great film, even twenty years on. Watch out for me (and my brother) aged 8, walking up a hill to school in front of the young boy and his friend. I'm the one with the blonde pigtails!