This particular one was Gregory's Girl, a film which although set in Cumbernauld always manages to warm the very cockles of my heart every time I watch it
First rate performances from John Gordon Sinclair, Dee Hepburn and Clare Grogan (of Altered Images fame) and outstanding cameos from the likes of Chic Murray as the headmaster ("off you go, you small boys") and Charlie and Andy in their search for girls ("That's not how you spell Caracus anyway. It's c-a-s not c-u-s" "We've been standing here for hours. Why didn't you tell me?")
Bill Forsyth captures the essence of growing up in Scotland
This made me think of all the other excellent movies which have been set in Scotland. There are the more famous ones such as Braveheart, Highlander (above is a picture of Young Ben auditioning for the latest remake), The Wicker Man and Whisky Galore but today I give you my Top 10 Less Famous Best and Worst Movies set in Scotland
Best
1. Local Hero (1983)......an absolute gem of a movie with a wonderful soundtrack from Mark Knopfler
2. Breaking The Waves (1996)...a tragic tale set in a repressed, deeply religious community in the North of Scotland with a fantastic performance from Emily Watson
3. Small Faces (1996)...the story of three teenage brothers growing up in the 1960s gang culture in Glasgow
4. Comfort and Joy (1984)...Bill Forsyth again as the always excellent Bill Patterson is caught up in a comedic tale of ice cream wars in Glasgow
5. Ratcatcher (1999)...a disturbing depiction of childhood in the Glasgow slums of the 1970s
6. Shallow Grave (1994)...a great modern thriller from Danny Boyle
7. Eye Of The Needle (1981)...Donald Sutherland as a German spy finding refuge on a remote Scottish island
8. Sweet Sixteen (2002)...powerful bittersweet tale of a teenager in Greenock preparing for the release of his mother from prison
9. Dear Frankie (2004)...another one set in Greenock with Gerard Butler showing a softer side to the one he did in '300'
10. Young Adam (2003)...Hollywood superstars Ewan McGregor and Tilda Swinton in a tense movie set on a barge travelling between Glasgow and Edinburgh
Worst
1. Trainspotting (1996)...didn't like the book, didn't like the film. Also didn't like the fact that all the main drug takers were likable characters and the complete psycho of the group, Begbie, was the only one who did not take drugs. But maybe I am just getting old.
2. Neds (2010)...everything that was captured well in Small Faces was sadly missed in this cliche riddled take on gangs in 1970s Glasgow
3. Gregory's Two Girls (1999).....no,no,no,no,no why would you do this
4. A Shot At Glory (2000)....what could possibly have convinced Robert Duvall and Michael Keaton to appear in this. Was it the chance to perform alongside Super Ally ? Current Ayr manager Brian Reid also showed that his acting skills were on a par with his management skills
5. Loch Ness (1996)....Sam from Cheers is in this truly awful movie
6. Rob Roy (1995)..Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange put on their best Scottish accents. Only Tim Roth gets pass marks as the particularly nasty Cunningham but he comes to a 'sticky end' at the hands of our noble hero Rob. Sorry....Spoiler Alert
7. Brigadoon (1954)....Gene Kelly shows how we Scots love to sing and dance Hollywood style
8. The Big Man (1990)...Liam Neeson again as a miner forced into bare-knuckle boxing to make ends meet
9. The Bruce (1996)....well it worked in Braveheart with Wallace played by Mel Gibson, so let's do a movie about our other historical hero Robert the Bruce and have him played by the legend that is Sandy Welch ...(no, me neither)
10. Greyfriars Bobby (1961)....Scotland Disney style. It's just like you would imagine it....if you were visiting EPCOT
That's me. I am off to watch Balamory for accurate portrayals of we Scots.
Bring back Doctor Findlay that's what I say!
“Aye Janet! You’re still a fine looking woman!”
“Oh! Doctor Cameron, no, no..”
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