Orphans

Wow, what a night this has been. It started off with Glasgow's very interesting "Orphans", and finished with Berlin's equally interesting "Nighshades"; the first was a black comedy, the second merely black. My advice to the neighbors of these Glaswegians and Berliners would be: keep your doors locked.

Both of these films deal with the eternal verities of life - love, loyalty, friendship, duty, betrayal, etc. - as encountered amid the emotional squalor in two of northern Europe's major cities, but there are enough sociopathic and psychopathic characters in these two films to populate several good sized asylums for the criminally insane. These people need to get more sun.

"Orphans", at least, was a bittersweet black comedy, though more bitter than sweet. Life might be hard in inner-city Glasgow, but some of their vendettas would seem more appropriate to Sicily than to Scotland. There is a harshness to the humor that is at times more than black. Death can often be funny, but can one say the same for rape and murder - even when not fully consumated? Perhaps the English can enjoy this bit of schadenfreude at the Scots' expense.

I have only one real complaint about "Orphans", however, and it's a technical one. The film has the WORST SUBTITLES EVER PUT ON FILM - and they're English-to-English! If the characters are speaking English - heavily accented though it may be - why on earth would the dialog itself be changed in the sub-titles? Do the people responsible really believe that they have to substitute the word "baby" in the sub-titles every time a Glaswegian holding a child makes a reference to the "wee 'un?" And to hear the characters actually say the "F" word dozens of times, yet find the word in the sub-titles not once is very odd. Maybe these sub-titles are a part black-comedy in themselves. Ultimately, though, they are just disappointing and unprofessional. In the event, I would certainly recommend this film for it's superb acting - at least I hope it's acting - black humor, and unique take on Death in Glasgow, but when it comes to your summer holidays I'd recommend giving working-class Glasgow a very wide berth. Ditto for Berlin.

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. ;)

orphans is truly one of the best films i have seen in a long time. written and directed by peter mullan (who is already an amazing actor--miss julie, my name is joe), orphans takes us through the lives of four siblings who have to cope with the death of their mother. gary lewis (billy elliot) is the eldest, but most childish, son who cannot let go of mummy; stephen mccole (rushmore) is the juvenile delinquent of the family; rosemarie stevenson is their wheelchair-bound sister; and douglas henshall (twice upon a yesterday) is the adult of the lot who has to keep the family together. we see how each of the siblings deals with her death--whether it's by singing a song in a kareoke bar or getting into a brawl with another person, the siblings act on their emotions and often get into trouble.

the movie was a good mix of comedy (watch for the priceless scene with stephen mccole spying on a neighbour), drama, and action. douglas henshall was amazing, as he has to deal with his siblings as well as his own ex-wife and son while he is coping with mum's death. his character is so real and believeable. there are also many sweet scenes in the film, such as the scene in the beginning where they all remember being comforted by their mum during a storm. this movie kept me interested with its great script and acting, and everyone in it was excellent. stephen mccole especially did a great job--before orphans i knew his as just the mean scottish kid in rushmore. he represented the frustration of youth and also offered a lot of comic relief to the plot too. this is not your typical film, and i think it follows in the tradition of good scottish filmmaking. definitely check out orphans if you are looking for a dark comedy that is well-written with a cast of very talented actors. and it does come with subtitles, if you aren't good with scottish accents.

What starts out as simple film about four siblings trying to cope with their mother's death, soon becomes a surreal tour-de-force. Peter Mullen pulls off a very tricky script and several changes of mood in the film to create something quite unique. There are some marvellous set pieces in here. It's a brave choice to use black comedy to highlight the pain of bereavement, but Orphans triumphantly pulls it off.

It's just a shame the film company buried the film, as this is one of the great British movies of the last few decades.

Unfortunately, i didn't watch the movie "Trainspotting", so i missed Mullan's acting in that film. I knew that "Orphans" is the first directorial debut of Mullan.

The entire film has been brilliantly directed.The story of the movie in short: four brother and sister gather at a stormy night for their mother's funeral.As they gather, their love, hate, grief, for each other are expressed individually in that brilliant drama.

The entire cast and music are nice. actually, i like Stevenson's acting as "Sheila". She is brilliant.

Congratulation Mullan to direct such a brilliant drama!

I would like to rate this movie : 8 out of 10.