Home
search
more | tips
SHOP ORPHANS
Amazon.com Amazon.ca Amazon.co.uk Amazon.de Amazon.fr
IMDb > Orphans (1997)
Orphans
[Add to My Movies]
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotes
Overview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv schedule
Awards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage board
Plot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotes
Fun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQ
Other Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsnews articles
Promotional
taglinestrailers and videospostersphoto gallery
External Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clips

Orphans (1997)

advertisement
Register or login to rate this title
User Rating: 7.0/10 (684 votes)
Photos (see all 12 | slideshow)

Overview

Director:
Peter Mullan
Writer:
Peter Mullan (writer)
Release Date:
21 April 1999 (France) more
Genre:
Comedy | Drama more
Tagline:
Are YOUR parents a burden?
Plot:
Four siblings gathered together for their mother's funeral in Glasgow face individual torments over night during a tumultuous storm that rips the roof off the church. full summary | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Bizarre | Brother | Church | Conflict | Death more
Awards:
10 wins & 2 nominations more
User Comments:
So misunderstood... more

Cast

 (Cast overview, first billed only)
Douglas Henshall ... Michael
Gary Lewis ... Thomas
Rosemarie Stevenson ... Sheila
Stephen McCole ... John
Ann Swan ... Mother of Family
Gilbert Martin ... Frank
Jan Wilson ... Sandra (Woman in Bar)
Lenny Mullan ... Julian (Bar Manager)
Malcolm Shields ... Duncan
June Brogan ... Mona
Paul Doonan ... Lenny (Duncan's brother)
Linda Cuthbert ... Evelyn (Waitress in Bar)
Lex Keith ... Himself
Hugh Ferris ... Himself
Joel Strachan ... Neil (Lad in Toilet)
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Runtime:
101 min
Country:
UK
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Dolby Digital
MOVIEmeter: ?
^ 9% since last week why?

Fun Stuff

Soundtrack:
Marie's Wedding more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
3 out of 4 people found the following comment useful:-
So misunderstood..., 29 October 2003
Author: Spike Nesmith (Spikey-2) from Scotsman in exile: West Virginia

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. ;)

Was the above comment useful to you?
more

Message Boards

Discuss this title with other users on IMDb message board for Orphans (1997)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Best line the_Clown_and_the_Wolfman
What is your favourite scene from the movie ? pumpkinvettese
Worth being an 18 in UK? garethwatkin
Time Gentlemen Please! chris-3649
'Glasgow Banter' at it's best! Do you agree? guerlain
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
The Abominable Dr. Phibes What Dreams May Come Transcendence Sordid Lives Eulogy
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Add a recommendation | Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
IMDb Comedy section IMDb UK section Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.