Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
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Conor McCarron | ... | John McGill |
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Greg Forrest | ... | Young John (as Gregg Forrest) |
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Joe Szula | ... | Benny McGill |
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Mhairi Anderson | ... | Elizabeth |
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Gary Milligan | ... | Canta |
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John Joe Hay | ... | Fergie |
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Christopher Wallace | ... | Wee T |
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Richard Mack | ... | Gerr |
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Paul Smith | ... | Key Man |
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Khai Nugent | ... | Tam |
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Ryan Walker | ... | Sparra |
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Lee Fanning | ... | Minty |
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Ross Greig | ... | Fifey |
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Greg McCreadie | ... | Tora |
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Scott Ingram | ... | Casper |
Despite having a drunken, abusive father and a brother who leads a local gang John McGill is a studious boy for whom a bright educational future beckons. As he grows into his teenage years, the challenges of youth mixed with the challenges of being brought up in a tribal and violent place right at the low end of the class spectrum take their toll. John is a fighter, which although isn't what his Mother, at least, wishes for him; may it prove to be what brings him salvation? Written by don @ minifie-1
The film successfully exposes the frustrations and impotence of failed systems in religion, education, friendship, families, government and employment. Scenes that are funny one moment take on deeper and darker meaning the next. Excellent acting, writing and direction. What is referred to by one reviewer as the Jesus scene, I felt is central to the thread of religion that runs through the movie, though each viewer can interpret it as they wish. It is just as appropriate as Rentons withdrawal scenes in Trainspotting for comparison. It seemed to me that the characters could deal with the physical beatings, but the subtle, and silent violence was more brutal, insidious, and damaging. It is one of those films that will keep you thinking long after the credits finish.