Orphans (1998)

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.

Director:

Peter Mullan

Writer:

Peter Mullan

Stars:

Douglas Henshall, Gary Lewis, Rosemarie Stevenson

10 wins & 2 nominations.

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 Jane Devlin	...	Evelyn (Waitress in Bar) (as Linda Cuthbert)
Lex Keith	...	Himself
Hugh Ferris	...	Himself
Joel Strachan	...	Neil (Lad in Toilet)

Storyline

I quattro figli della signora Flynn si riuniscono a Glasgow, nella casa materna, in occasione dei funerali della madre, morta di recente. L'indomani mattina ci sarà la cerimonia funebre e, mentre un violento temporale si abbatte sulla città, i congiunti si preparano a trascorrere una notte molto difficile. I rapporti fra di loro si fanno più violenti man mano che le ore passano : bisogna accettare il lutto e cercare di ritrovare rapporti familiari ed affettivi ormai scomparsi da tempo.

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Plot Keywords:

funeral | church | storm | glasgow scotland | garbage bag | 

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Taglines:

Are YOUR parents a burden?

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 May 1999 (UK)

Also Known As:

Ett sista farväl

Filming Locations:

Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$16,098 (USA) (10 March 2000)

Gross:

$49,501 (USA) (17 March 2000)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Antoinine Green Bridge, British Screen Productions, Channel Four Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Tanga: Black bean sauce? Fuckin' mingin', man.

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Connections

References Jean de Florette (1986)

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Soundtracks

"Bean-Bag (Fairground Music)"
by Shandy and Dave

User Reviews

Superbly directed, acted and written.

Don't read any reviews... WATCH THE FILM FIRST...

First of all - This is my first feature film comment. I felt compelled to do so like never before after watching a film. I've seen the short film called the Fridge also written and directed by Mr Mullen. I guess I must be a fan then! Why did I like this film so much? It's a rich tapestry of plot lines centred around the death of the mother of four grown siblings - a brilliantly crafted and extremely well written script. I wondered several times where the plot was going. I loved the way the dry humour enhances the dark theme and at one point I was in hysterics. I know not everyone will share my view as everyone has different opinions of life but I'm one of those people who can laugh during funerals anyway.

Totally realistic characters were acted by a brilliant cast - I use the term acted because it didn't seem like any of them were acting.

The best way to watch this film is without expectations and not even seeing trailers or reading synopsises (my preferred way). If you haven't already seen it let it take you with it and let it carry you along as it did with me with no preconceived ideas or judgements. Let it surprise you with it's honesty of character and delight you with its humour. I see it as a gritty drama with funny moments rather than a comedy as such.

It's firmly in my top three favourite films along with Fargo and Life of Brian.

This comment hasn't done the film any justice and I'm hoping you've already seen it before you've read this far. I just wanted to show support for this British, nay Scottish, gem of a film.