Go See Sunshine on Leith

As I've been working on a variety of projects lately (mostly applying for jobs - more on that later), I've been unable to write some of the longer posts that I've been intending. One post that doesn't require much time to write is a plug for Sunshine on Leith, the film that's based on a stage musical that's named after the classic album that is, in turn, named after the title track. Think Mamma Mia, but instead of Abba, the storyline is built around the songs of The Proclaimers. Here's the trailer.


The last time I was in Aberdeen (sheesh, that's pushing a month ago!), I met up with CN Homeboy (who was late) to go see the film. I'd wanted to see it, but it's sort of a Scotland thing, so I hadn't really expected to be able to find it down in England during my close protection course; and since Kirkwall only has one screen at the Pickaquoy Centre, I didn't expect to be able to see it there. So, when I was in town, the perpetually available (and chronically late) Homeboy and I met up to see it. Of course, Mark Kermode got to it before us...


... and we absolutely agreed with him. There are plenty of things wrong with the film, and in the end, none of them matter. I was on the verge of tears, repeatedly. There's a scene early on when two of the ensemble characters arrive home from Afghanistan, and it reminded me of times when I've come home after long absences (to include my time in the Middle East) and surprised my mother. I couldn't figure out where I'd seen George MacKay (I later learned that he was in Defiance, but I'm not sure that I remember him from that), and I eventually figured out that he reminded me of my brother - except that my brother doesn't speak with a Scottish accent. (Yet.) Anyway, as some of you who keep track of these things will know, Homeboy and I don't agree on much, but we agreed throughout the film, and especially when it was over and done with, that we both loved it.

I'm reasonably sure that most of my regular readers are from the States, and I honestly don't know what the availability of this film in the States will be. That said, if there's any way for you to see it, please do. It's a great story, it feels great to watch it whether you're a fan of the Proclaimers or not, and I just can't say enough good things about it. It's worth the effort. Trust me, if you can find a way to see it, you'll be on your way from misery to happiness.