A Spanking in Paradise

This film was a total surprise for me. I didn't see how you could make a comedy set in a whorehouse funny due to the subject matter, but it worked and what I liked about this film, was that it felt quite raw and realistic. I think I was expecting it to be like a Meet the Parents gag after gag film but instead it felt like a snapshot of something that could have happened. Rather than be a 'film', it almost felt like a rough and ready documentary of someone's reality. One minute quite serious and heavy, the next ridiculously comical the way I suppose real life is. For instance, the uncle telling vivid stories of his exploits, and his nephew Justin just innocently trying to get by, but kind of putting his foot in it the whole time because of his naivety. What I also liked was it didn't pretend being a hooker was any sort of picnic. I didn't realize in Scotland, I suppose like Las Vegas, the whorehouses are legal to keep the women safe. Anyway, definitely 8 out of ten and worth a watch.

If you're a fan of Scottish movies and TV, you'll definitely want to see A Spanking in Paradise. (If you're not yet a fan, work your way up via gentler movies - anything by Bill Forsyth, for example. Or Caton-Jones' Our Ladies.)

A Spanking in Paradise is not an easy movie to describe. It's got elements of gangster films. It's a look at the seedy side of life. It's a family drama. And more. Once it gets rolling, the story is fairly straightforward, but never predictable: a straight-laced young lawyer comes to Edinburgh to spend some time working for his uncle. That work gets him involved with the uncle's brothel and various other even more questionable endeavors. He ends up learning a lot about survival on the lower rungs of society.

A spicing of Scottish irony and self-deprecation makes what could be a sordid little tale much more fun than you might expect. Nothing resolves in the obvious way. The characters, even in the worst moments, remain believable and - if not admirable - remarkably likable.

Despite the grimy subject matter, this is a smart, classy movie. Give it a chance, don't get put off by the slow build up - or the racy situations.

Thought this film had a great title and the premise was pretty intriguing, so went to see it at the cinema last night at midnight. I was worried I wouldn't stay awake, but it kept me laughing all the way through. I like British comedy, though this was different as a bit more gritty. It felt like a pretty realistic, and therefore at times slightly depressing portrayal of what being a hooker is like, but the majority of the film doesn't focus on this, and is funny and occasionally slapstick. Every now and then it serves up a complete curve ball, and has you laughing out loud. All in all I enjoyed it and would recommend it.

A hilarious insight into Edinburgh's seedy sex world of brothels. Fresh outspoken comedy at it's fullest with a dash of grit and a drizzle of seriously sexy women. The characters in this movie will have you rolling around your seats with laughter and keep you on the edge with suspense. Being an Edinburg o myself i felt I could relate to the characters well and was intrigued by their hilarious tales of foreign adventures, transvestites and extravagant chases from the police down Leith walk. I like a film that not only makes me laugh but sustains a level of dramatic intensity throughout and 'A Spanking In Paradise' delivers in every scene. The lead character Justin is portrayed ever so well by Andrew Hawley and every step he takes deeper into the underground world of Edinburgh, you feel you are there with him. Sit back and relax as your about to get a spanking!

Really enjoyed this movie. Why bother to write a review? - because also watched Chatroom (2010) movie in same session which was shockingly rubbish - 10% on rotten tomatoes - didn't know could be rated that low!! Important when film-makers get it right especially with restricted budget that they are recognised. I heard of Spanking in Paradise from article in a magazine interviewing the director. Can see where the authenticity comes from! Don't expect big special effects, explosions etc - its all in the dialogue and characters who are all quirky and funny. It won two awards in Edinburgh Film Festival and was named on the best of the festival list. Not quite new Trainspotting as some enthusiastic critics have said but very very good.