Blackbird

I saw Blackbird on a whim, drawn in by the few words in the programme, at the 2013 Edinburgh International Film Festival. I fell in love (and not just because my friend brought white jazzies to the screening.) It is a beautiful film. Slighty unearthly yet firmly rooted. Soulful film-making with a wonderful, committed cast. The beauty of The Machars and of the folk music inhabit and inform all the film's characters but there is no dull worthiness to the film's exploration of tradition and heritage. Rather an exuberance, a playfulness, but not one shy of pain. This film and, in particular, the central character of Ruadhan, make me think of the lyrics of another 'Blackbird' - You were only waiting for this moment to arise.

A satisfying tale of light and shadow - the future facing all youth today and the need to hang on to your cultural roots. Wonderful acting throughout from actors not usually available to us. The sideline is its amazing tribute to Martin Bennett, piper and composer, sadly no longer with us, and hence the film name Blackbird(his last album) - Director Jamie Chambers wrote a lot of the excellent music which assists in resolving the underlying themes.

This film works on so many levels - the passing of the older ways (Margaret Bennett, Norman MacLean, Sheila Stewart - all of whom are icons in "traditional" Scotland)and the rage their passing causes Ruadhan (Andrew Rothney)as he goes through the rites of passage with Amy (Scarlett Mack). New ways come into the village and force a resolution through the agency of Calum (Patrick Wallace). Authentic performances from the supporting caste make the whole film a believable, beautiful graphic of contemporary Scotland.

I believe you will hear again of these actors.

I have not mentioned the technical side of the filming but I assure you, if technical excellence is what rocks your boat(excuse the pun -and if you do not understand the pun watch the film! HAHAHA)it will not disappoint!

Poignant and funny in places,you will laugh and you will cry! All in all fair brings a tear tae a blin man's ee. (Translate: to a blind man's eye - Scots attempt at humour)