Review of Sunshine on Leith (2013) by Sara J — 27 Apr 2014
Directed by Dexter Fletcher, who made his directorial debut with the crime drama Wild Bill (2011), for his follow-up, he settled on doing something completely different. A film adaptation of a musical play by Stephen Greenhorn, who also wrote the screenplay, which uses songs by The Proclaimers to tell the story.
It's a cheery and touching musical romance with an upbeat charm. After a tour of duty in Afghanistan, soldiers Ally (Kevin Guthrie) and Davy (George MacKay) come home to Edinburgh, where they plan life after the army.
Ally has eyes for Davy's sister Liz (Freya Mavor) while Davy is looking for a relationship with Liz's best friend Yvonne (Antonia Thomas). But, they all go through the trials and tribulations of trying to make a relationship work.
They're not alone, Davy and Liz's parents Rab (Peter Mullan) and Jean (Jane Horrocks) have been married for 25 years, but their long and successful marriage is put to the test when a secret from Rab's past threatens to tear him and Jean apart.
This is the ultimate proof that not all films from Scotland have to be depressing, and even when our characters face trouble and upset, there's always an optimism that'll ensure they get through it and life will go on.
The songs by the Reid Brothers suit the story well, and you should walk 500 miles to see this one.
This review of Sunshine on Leith (2013) was written by Sara J on 27 Apr 2014.
Sunshine on Leith has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
