Ratcatcher (DVD)

Well this film is not going to be easy watching for anyone but that certainly does not mean it warrants a poor rating and I think it is very well made and through striking some uncomfortable chords really makes the viewer appreciate their life a little bit more. The wider picture of this film is the what the director intends to convey to the viewer and this picture is of the depravation of some families and areas of Glasgow. One presumes that the director also wants people to realise that this occurs in other places also. The film itself centres around the life of a 12 year old boy, who suffers with the problems that can be posed by living in a very poor ...  Read the complete review

Set in a very dreary run down council estate area of Glasgow in 1973, the life of a young boy, James (William Eadie) unfolds. Very obviously poor, wearing hand-me-downs, and a typical boy. The film begins with James and Ryan, a friend play-flighting in the canal - and somehow Ryan ends of dead. James makes no attempt to save him, although throughout the film he is constantly reminded of this day - although it's a secret he shares with no-one. He spends his days hanging out with a gang of slightly older and more worldly lads, doing things that lads do, and catching rats of course. His home-life is typical - drunken dad (Tommy Flanagan), caring mum (Mandy ...  Read the complete review

Set in a run down Glasgow housing estate during the 70's Bin Men Strike, Ratcatcher isn't your usual bog-standard film. The words 'gritty realism' spring to mind, although it depends on your experience of reality... The story line ambles along at a natural pace - it is life seen through the eyes/ears/mind of James, a quiet, reflective 12 year old. The loss of innocence, dawning of sexuality, etc...all set against a highly believable backdrop. The whole film is incredibly poetic in it's direction. Everyday scenes are shot as though they are happening then and there; it's almost possible to forget you're watching a directed film. ...  Read the complete review

Here we have yet another highly acclaimed film by the broadsheet press (straight to video) about a dinghy 70s council estate, Are the middle classes who write, direct and review films here obligation to this subject or is it a guilt trip as most of the money to make British film these days comes from the Lottery and therefore the subject matter must reflect the bulk of the ticket buyers. President Nixon once said when he looked at a picture of President Kennedy on The Whitehouse wall.” When people look at you they see what they want to be, when people look at me they see what they are.” The Americans have Back to The Future and Armageddon we have, doom ...  Read the complete review