That Sinking Feeling

I saw this film a few weeks ago on television. Not expecting much, I was completely taken with it. It is a charming, poignant and funny story that takes place in working-class Glascow. What could have been a story about despair, unemployment, bleak prospects and rage against the system turned into a delightful caper film. The director obviously has a lot of love for the city of Glascow, and it shows itself at every turn I won't give the plot away except to say that this film is proof that you don't need a big budget, special effects, gratuitous violence and drawn-out car chases to make a wonderful film.

Two little things stand out in my mind. The 2 youths who break into an impromptu singing of the Sex Pistols' "Holiday in the Sun" when asked they they were planning to go after the caper, and the doctor, who when predicting life in 2069 remarks that "Partick Thistle" will have won the European Cup". You have to know a little about football (soccer) to appreciate the humor in that. Speaking of football, we never did find out if the characters in the film were from the "green half" or "blue half" of Glascow. Pity that, but it does not detract from a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. I highly recommend this film.

This debut film from Scottish film comedian Bill Forsyth is decent non-think entertainment. It has the low-budget charm of a student film, which can be its asset or liability, depending on how you look at it. Really, it's hard to envision this same low-key robbery story filmed in a bigger budget studio style. However, it's flaws are quite evident. It has a very choppy editing style, with each scene encompassing a different joke - similar to Monty Python short sketches. The storyline never really jells together, and unlike Forsyth's more polished later films, there's not much character development to speak of. The script has plenty of sharp one-liners, but few really great shakes.

As a gestation of the kind of stellar comedic talent Forsyth was to become in a few years, this movie is worth taking a look at. I did find myself laughing quite a few times, and am sure you will find some reasons to enjoy this, also.

I actually love this film but perhaps thats because I grew up in Scotland in the 70's and it does have a lot of "in" jokes which foreign audiences could easily pass by. Sadly, this film was ruined by the completely hideous dubbing. It saddens me that the director allowed this to happen. I know that people say "but we cant understand the accent" well thats their fault, not the films. No one would have dreamed of dubbing Trainspotting so why ruin what is actually a charming and funny movie. Subtitles would have been insulting enough but at least you can turn them off. Yes, the editing is bad and the film quality is grainy but I think that represents the depressed times and the amateurish robbery plot. Perhaps I am over thinking that, maybe they were just being cheap. I don't care, I still love it. Do yourself a favour and watch the original.

Excellent! Some of the scenes/dialogue in this film are side-splitting! They are so ridiculous, pathetic and stupid - that it's comedy genius! - The 'Boss' trying to get the the gangs attention at a meeting ("Will ye shut-up and geez yer attention!"); one of the gang members is arguing with a young girl who's hanging up her washing ("Where's Australia?"); The Baker/Van Driver in the baker's shop picking up his order ("Cream Puffs?" - "Twelve." ...) etc. The film doesn't paint a very nice picture of Glasgow (dull, drab, raining), but the characters are full of colour. I 'think' the film wains a bit towards the end, but it's still brilliant viewing!!

Great comedy for those who like the Scottish spirit and sense of humor. Fairly low budget look doesn't hinder the film except for the sound track. Lot's of memorable scenes and quotes. I enjoyed it for the characters and not so much for the look or the sound.