A Spanking in Paradise

I watched 'A Spanking in Paradise' at last night's Scottish BAFTA screening in Glasgow. I didn't really know what to expect - though i suppose the title may have given something away - but I was completely blown over. Through Justin, the very handsome lead character, we're introduced to the hilarious goings on at the 'Birds of Paradise Sauna,' one of Scotland's many licensed brothels. As I women I wasn't that aware that they existed in the numbers that they do. And the various characters he meets during his stay are larger than life, one of which I'm still chuckling about this morning. At times, it's hard to say weather this film is a comedy with darker moments, or a drama with comedy woven through it. But for me that was all part of this enjoyable watching experience. This film is not 'The English Patient' so shoulder be viewed as such. But in the days of remakes and sequels, and risk adversed commissioners and studios, it was genuinely refreshing to see something so original. You can do a lot worse than spending 94 minutes in the Birds of Paradise Sauna.

Friend in US recommended it - gather from website its been released globally - but looks like it'll be one of those that builds momentum before becomes well know generally. I missed it when it case out in uk cinemas. Not sure friend in US fully got it but Spanking in Paradise is unique - yes a gritty story but mainly hysterically funny with both 'thinking man's humour' in the dialogue as well as the more obvious stuff. Be warned though - you have to follow the dialogue and Scottish slang to get all the best jokes - well worth it - but even if watching while winding-down you'll find plenty to laugh at. Cast are mainly unknowns but characters are brilliant - Rab, Leo and acid nut case Tom stand out as well as girls in the sauna. Not to be missed if you like UK comedy.

Justin, a human rights lawyer takes a trip north of the border to visit with family before he moves out to the United States. As it turns out, his uncle runs a brothel (sauna) and while waiting on his Visa being processed he finds himself involved in a life that his mother moved to England to keep him away from. I had seen postings for this movie for a while but had never gotten around to it. Now i'm wondering what took me so long. There are not many movies at the moment that actually make me laugh out loud but this one did. Some funny anecdotes and some very funny visual moments lightened what could have been a very dark movie. Unfortunately i was left wanting more. Nice one.

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!

This film reminded me of Shameless, one of my favorite TV shows right now. My favorite part of this film was probably the opening scene... makes you realize how ridiculous the questions on an immigration form must be for people coming into our beloved country, the US of A, really made me laugh... anyway, very funny film, lots of hot chicks and good acting.

The uncle Rab is a bit like Frank Gallager, but tells funny stories rather than just simply ranting about injustices, and the Justin character is almost like Fiona, trying to make his way through the crazy world his uncle has created. A wild ride to watch!