Sunshine on Leith

Sunshine on Leith is an enjoyable, exuberant film musical that is based on the songs of The Proclaimers. It tells the story of two young Scottish soldiers who return to their families in Edinburgh after serving in Afghanistan. What awaits each of them is an unsettled future during which they are forced to confront a number of issues that make it difficult to rehabilitate themselves successfully into civilian life: the need to secure employment (they find temporary work in a call centre); feelings of guilt at returning home in good physical shape when a friend of theirs who served with them sustained severe injuries and is having to contend with the loss of both legs; trying to rekindle their neglected love lives; having to cope with the revelation of family secrets that in the case of one of the ex-soldiers puts pressure on his parents' marriage; and the problems of simply being welcomed and accepted by friends and family after a long absence. None of these issues is dealt with in anything other than a superficial and sentimental manner. But that does not really matter all that much.

The cast, which includes Jane Horrocks and Peter Mullan, is very good. The cinematography is first rate (Edinburgh looks stunning), as are the staging of the set-piece routines and the choreography. And we even get a brief, Hitchcock-like cameo appearance by The Proclaimers themselves, who are seen near the start of the film emerging from an Edinburgh pub. The music is uneven. Two of the most notable Proclaimers numbers - "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" and "Letter from America" - are delivered in a much more muted and less punchy style than their original versions, which somehow seems unsatisfactory. From my personal perspective, there is also one underlying problem with Sunshine on Leith, that is incapable of resolution. I do not think that film is the right medium for musicals. I often enjoy musical shows that are performed in the theatre. But I simply cannot come to terms with them in the cinema. The transition from spoken dialogue to singing seems to me to be unnatural and mildly clumsy on celluloid in a way that does not appear to be the case on stage. (I feel the same about opera!) That problem aside, Sunshine on Leith is an engaging film, albeit one that is unlikely to live long in the memory. 6/10.

I should hate this. I thought I would. Take a band whose music is real. A band who don't do poxy love songs. Who do great Scottish songs of independence. A band I admit to loving. Now you try to shoehorn their songs into a musical. It is going to suck. Isn't it?

Actually no. No need to critique whats wrong with this movie. Everything is. It sucks. Its terrible.

I loved every minute. Its not Momma Mia (thank God) Its not Easy Rider. But it is a really enjoyable movie. Loads of fun. Bright, lively and well worth a watch.

This is the perfect date movie. If you, like me, don't like chick flicks. If its too early to watch "The unbearable lightness of being". Then this is a great option. It's just good fun.

Im a guy of the 80,s and although i thought the proclaimers were good, i never really became a fan. Don't get me wrong i enjoyed there music and style , but it never generated a passion in me. But one dark lonely night while it was raining outside and the trees were rattling on the windows, i thought i would watch Sunshine on Leith ( I may have had a lager or two) , And all i can say is WOW , it was awesome, it was on par with the commitments, which is no small achievement, the song that it derived its title from "Sunshine on leith" sung by "Jane Horrocks" was amazing , I loved it. Thank you for an amazing film and a wonderful soundtrack. Thank you aqain for a wonderful Film

This film is a series of interconnected situations regarding relationships, all based in the same family. Davy and Ally come back from combat, to seemingly the delight of everyone. Ally looks to rekindle his relationship with Liz, who is Davy's sister. Davy meets Liz's best friend Yvonne and they begin a relationship. Liz and Davy's parents Rab and Jean appear very happy about this. There, however, are secrets and actions that threaten to undermine all of the relationships. When the film is set to songs by the Scottish group The Proclaimers (American audiences will know them from their big hit 500 Miles (I'm Gonna Be),sung by the characters and others joining in, the movie is wonderful, it is vibrant and fun, along with sad and even heartbreaking. When the stories are told without music the movie falters, since it becomes almost like a soap opera. However, look past those moments and bask in the great city of Edinburgh and sing along if you can. Its those moments that make this film really worthwhile.

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.