This film is totally original. One is uncertain until almost the very end about how feel about anything or anyone onscreen. It uses the gritty style of Loach and Leigh to a far finer end. It's funny, disturbing and finally very moving. I was thrilled to be introduced to some wonderful new actors and Mullan is simply a terrific writer. Orphans is as good maybe as Solondz' Happiness, not as precise but maybe deeper and maybe even more original. The photography is uneven, sometimes perfect sometimes dodgy. The score and editing are very good. If this film doesn't get US theatrical distribution I'll be very disappointed, because I want to see it again.
