I accept that this film is a grim portrayal of a tough family life, but sometimes family life is tough and the film, by portraying such a hard life, is good for that purpose. Anyway, there are moments of humour that lift the film from being simply a dark "grim up north" piece. It is a shame to write the film off just because its subject matter is fairly dark. The film is well put together and John Kielty for example is a young actor at the outset of his film career at the time. It may not be a blockbuster, but for a young Scottish actor it was the perfect entry into film. (I'm speaking here from my own point of view, and not necessarily representing John's own feelings or those of the rest of the cast). If you have the chance then go and see this film. You won't necessarily be blown away, but you might have your eyes opened to how tough life sometimes is.