Sunshine on Leith (2013)

Two soldiers return home to Edinburgh to resume their romantic and family lives.

Director:

Dexter Fletcher

Writers:

Stephen Greenhorn, Stephen Greenhorn (stage play)

Stars:

Paul Brannigan, George MacKay, Kevin Guthrie

1 win & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Paul Brannigan	...	Ronnie
George MacKay	...	Davy
Kevin Guthrie	...	Ally
Jane Horrocks	...	Jean
Peter Mullan	...	Rab
Freya Mavor	...	Liz
John Spence	...	Brendan
Paul McCole	...	Ewan
Emily-Jane Boyle	...	Christine
Antonia Thomas	...	Yvonne
Jason Flemyng	...	Harry
Emma Hartley-Miller	...	Janice
Elaine M. Ellis	...	Morag (as Elaine Mackenzie Ellis)
Gayle Telfer Stevens	...	Francine
Sara Vickers	...	Eilidh

Storyline

Sunshine on Leith is based on the sensational stage hit of the same name, featuring music by pop-folk band The Proclaimers. The film follows the stories of Davy and Ally, who have to re-learn how to live life in Edinburgh after coming home from serving in Afghanistan. Both struggle to learn to live a life outside the army and to deal with the everyday struggles of family, jobs and relationships.

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Plot Keywords:

military service | afghanistan | edinburgh | scotland | 

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Taglines:

When it happens... there's nothing like it!

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Musical | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some suggestive and thematic material, language and brief violence

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site [Japan]

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 October 2013 (UK)

Also Known As:

Aftab bar Faraze Leith

Filming Locations:

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$8,804,555

Company Credits

Production Co:

Entertainment Film Distributors, DNA Films, Black Camel Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Neither of the main pub scenes in the movie were filmed in either Edinburgh or Leith. "It's Over and Done With" is filmed in Glasgow's Griffin Bar and "Let's Get Married" is also filmed in Glasgow - in the Saracen's Head, a traditional Celtic supporters' bar close to Celtic Park.

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Goofs

When Ally drops off Liz at the bus stop on The Shore, she picks up the 42 bus. The 42 bus doesn't stop there.

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Crazy Credits

The initial credits show the main characters in short outtakes from the film. The order is Peter Mullan, Jane Horrocks, George Mackay, Antonia Thomas, Freya Mavor, Kevin Guthrie, Jason Flemyng, Paul Brannigan, Sara Vickers, Michael Beat (as Michael 'Cuban' Keat) and John Spence (as 'Wee' John Spence'). This is followed by a listing of the major crew (director, etc,) on a background of the city of Leith in sunshine. Then the credits revert to the traditional scrolling form, starting with the cast listed in order of appearance.

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Alternate Versions

The DVD contains the original ending, which was shot indoors, but was replaced at a cost of £500,000 by the ensemble ending shot in Edinburgh.

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Connections

Featured in The EE British Academy Film Awards (2014)

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Soundtracks

Sky Takes The Soul
Written by Charlie Reid and Craig Reid
Performed by George MacKay, Kevin Guthrie and Paul Brannigan

User Reviews

A roller coaster of emotions, fantastically tied in with music... Must watch

If your a drab and miserable hard hearted person this film is NOT for you. Also if you don't like the music of the proclaimers I wouldn't bother.

Im 24 years of age, and watched this on an extremely personal emotional day for me and as much as it added to my tears of sadness and heartbreak at parts , it added to my laughter and joy with real cheese and then elation of following dreams and going after what you believe in, its a real pick and mix film with ultimate highs to lows.

Yes it is quite cheesy but when you have "lets get married" by the proclaimers thrown in you expect nothing less. I think as a fan of the proclaimers they have managed to include the music by the lads in the film without turning it into simply a "musical" they have balanced the music and story to a tee. music nor storyline taking over. very cleverly done.

I actually enjoyed all of the actors, and as much as I found it weird to hear other people sing the proclaimers songs I think they all done extremely well.. and how the screenwriters tied in different scenes to one song was fabulous. The only thing I did find slightly off putting was watching Jane horrocks having seen her in so many adverts dramas & TV programmes with a broad English accent it was odd, BUT in saying that she done a sterling job.

As much as it isn't a blockbuster hit, its a genuine warmth hit to the heart and for that I will watch this film when ever I feel low to re inspire me. It may be not for you? It may be... but if your not sure at least take the chance.. I must admit I slightly underestimated it... so I was not left disappointed.

I rate it a 9 fab music, actors, singers and dancers and I commend the fact yes its cheesy and a roller coaster of emotions but the accents are genuine and NOT over done to the point your cringing while watching river city.