Tim Kidner
To me, this is one of those films, whose scenes linger, almost haunt long after the vague and slightly off-putting title is long forgotten.Mixing raw emotional drama, worthy of any work by Lars von Trier and the Catholic-induced fantasies that Neil Jordan fused so well into the grime and poverty of modern society this is one hell of a bumpy, but rewarding cinematic ride. In Jordan's case, Ireland, in this, Scottish director Peter Mullan is mid 90's Glasgow.There's a gutter encrusted language that refuses to shock as it seems so much a part of the angst and misunderstanding of a modern society losing its religion but that same religion has never been more needed. In the same way of Mullan's 'My Name Is Joe', (in which he takes lead part) life is sheer hell at times and grasping onto what you know and rely on is paramount. Whether that faith be in alcohol, drugs, the church or family. Or all four.So, the mother of the family dies and everybody is highly overwrought. Scotland's finest actors, often only seen in more lame films (Douglas Henshall, for instance is outstanding in this) or the current gritty Scots TV D.I 'Taggart', who ends up not in quite as much control as he's used to. Stalwart actor Gary Lewis (Full Monty, Brassed Off) is the lay priest and brother who tries to keep his family united as well as his church and when a storm hits...On this, my third viewing, those scenes are worthy of anything - and more - that Hollywood can do. Truly making me goose-bumped and, frankly, perspiring as the score, the focused direction plus performances as good as anything you'll see ably pumps up the melodrama. A revenge plot for a stabbing that leaves Henshall running for cover, injured, blood- soaked and delirious leads him screaming for Sanctuary at his estranged brother's church. Will the Will of God allow personal bitterness to be overcome?Unusually, another lead - and thankfully, without mawkishness, is a sister to the brothers and who is severely disabled with cerebral palsy and in an electric chair. The sort of plucky girl who thanks people for calling her a 'spastic'. Totally un-PC, but she's grateful for their full frontal honesty. Don't expect a shrinking violet...'Orphans' might well not be as topical as Mullan's most well known film 'The Magdalene Sisters' and hasn't got the fantastic fantasy and hip- soundtrack of Boyle's Trainspotting. But, for my money, in its own ways it sits up there with the two as some of the very finest Scottish set, or originated, films, ever.
Ro J Goodwin
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.
rich-319
I remember sitting in the Virgin Cinema in Aberdeen back in 1999 watching this film with about 12 other people, whilst in the auditoria next door hundreds were lapping up the populist Phantom Menace and Matrix.How 'Trainspotting' became so famous while 'Orphans' has practically been ignored I simply cannot understand. This film features real characters with which you can truly identify, plus some moments of deliciously black humour.
Perhaps the best summary of the emotions brought to the surface in this superb film I could give is from a song I remember being in the charts a few years ago about life being a bitter-sweet symphony. Both the good and bad sides of human nature are exposed in this film in a direct manner that might not be to the taste of all.I unreservedly recommend this under rated and little known masterpiece.
nafftsk
This film combines comedy and melodrama to superb effect. The characters are well thought-out and realistic (trust me - in Glasgow, this is what people are like), and ridiculous situations are made compelling and tense through clever direction.All in all, a most entertaining film!
