Claysaba
Excellent, Without a doubt!!
Borgarkeri
A bit overrated, but still an amazing film
Matylda Swan
It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.
Sindre Kaspersen
English television and film director Ken Loach's fourteenth feature film which was written by his long-time collaborator Paul Laverty, premiered In competition at the 51st Cannes International Film Festival in 1998, was screened in the Masters section at the 23rd Toronto International Film Festival in 1998, was shot on locations in Glasgow, Scotland and is a UK-France-Italy-Spain-Germany co-production which was produced by English producer Rebecca O'Brien. It tells the story about an unemployed recovering alcoholic named Joe Kavanagh who lives in an apartment in Glasgow. Joe spends most of his time with his friends from the soccer team he coaches, his friend named Shanks and is a regular attendant at anonymous alcoholics meetings. His recovering process is going well and one day when he is visiting his cousin named Liam and his pregnant girlfriend named Sabine, he encounters a woman named Sarah who works as a social visitor. Joe meets Sarah again and a connection emerges, but then Joe learns that Liam has gotten himself involved with a local criminal.Distinctly and engagingly directed by English filmmaker Ken Loach, this finely paced fictional tale which is narrated from multiple viewpoints though mostly from the main character's point of view, draws a humane, heartrending and gripping portrayal of a man who finds himself caught in a moral conflict whilst trying to come to terms with a past of violence and decay which has marred his character. While notable for it's naturalistic milieu depictions, fine cinematography by English cinematographer Barry Ackroyd, production design by English production designer and art director Martin Johnson (1939-2003), authentic dialog and characteristic realism, this character-driven story from the late 1990s which is one of Ken Loach's most successful films and where a man is making an effort to maintain his first serious relationship with a woman whom is willing to look past the person he once was and accept him for the man he is becoming, depicts an in-depth and compassionate study of character and contains a timely score by English composer George Fenton.This at times very humorous and charming drama which is set in Scotland and where the protagonist considers it as his obligation to make a choice that could jeopardize both his ongoing recovery and his evolving and loving relationship, is impelled and reinforced by it's efficient narrative structure, substantial character development, the exceptionally moving and heartfelt acting performance by Scottish actor and director Peter Mullan and the fine supporting acting performances by Scottish actress Louise Goodall and Scottish actor David Hayman. An unsentimental, romantic and afflicting love-story which gained, among other awards, the award for Best Actor Peter Mullan at the 51th Cannes Film Festival in 1998, the Audience Award at the Valladolid International Film Festival in 1998, the British Independent Film Award for Best British Director of an Independent Film Ken Loach, Best Original Screenplay by a British Writer of a Produced Independent Film Paul Laverty and Best British Independent Film at the 1st British Independent Film Awards in 1998.
Nico Destoop
A very realistic story about a 38 year old man, let 's say my age. He had problems with alcohol but is doing his best to improve his live. He has the energy of a young man and also is admired by a young social worker. The feelings of love are profound and touching. But the problems, now I 'm talking about the external problems he suffers by trying to help a young couple, are very eminent and realistic too.I recomment this movie in the strongest way, altough I have to say that I never heard so many bad language in a movie. :o)
stevie j
The awesome realism of "Once Were Warriors" (New Zealand, 1994), successfully transposed to Glasgow, Scotland.Solid, decent human beings use alcohol and drugs to "cope" with life. But, life only gets worse, loyalties are brutally tested, and one poor unfortunate will not survive. But, don't think this to be another flaccid piece of cliched, anti-drug drivel. No, this film speaks powerfully to the perverse, and often vicious, arbitrariness of life. Darwinians, of course, will be unmoved. The rest of us, however, will be chilled by the scale of our impotence in making this world a better place. Prepare yourself to feel humbled.
snafu-4
I watched this film a couple months ago and i was utterly surprised. Peter Mullan and David McKay do an excellent job. I am sick and tired of watching the same dull plot over and over again. Ken Loach does an excellent job at taking a look at the darker side of life, the part we call "Reality". I highly recommend this movie for anyone that enjoys watching gripping social dramas.
