User Reviews

When I checked this film on IMDB, I was surprised. Not by the popular rating, 6.7 out 10 is a good mark but by the number of votes. Only, 368 votes! How can such a good movie by largely ignored by the public?

Peter Mullan in the world of British cinema is especially known as an actor. We remember his performance in the trendy "Trainspotting" (1996) where he acted the role of a heroin supplier. With "Orphans", he decided to display his gifts as a director. He chose wisely. His real debut movie is, by any standards a remarkable one. However I am obliged to recognize that for his first direction, the place of the action which the city of Glasgow in Scotland has nothing welcoming. Indeed, most of its inhabitants are narrow-minded or unpleasant. I read a few reviews about Mullan's film and all of them had said that Glasgow's inhabitants are really like this. If it is true, truth is stranger than fiction.

But also Mullan for his first directing chose a tough topic: what can be the childrens' reactions following the death of their mother? To answer this question, the filmmaker divided his movie in 4 individual parts. Each one focuses on one of the 4 main characters. Thus, we can say the following answer to the quoted question: either with violence (John, the college boy who tries to prove himself as a hard man) either with obstinacy (Thomas, the holier-than-thou chief mourner who wants everything to be perfect for their mother's funeral). As for the two others, Michael and Sheila, they feel especially lost. What Mullan tries to reveal to the spectator is that these reactions are necessary because this painful hardship represents for them the definitive transition in adulthood and maturity. The very last sequence shows the three brothers and the disabled sister together and they seem more united.

"Orphans" is a movie that swings between humor and poignancy, violence and calm with ease. Moreover, the moment when the roof of the church is torn off by the wind gives the film a little surrealist air. In short, it easily ranks among the best British movies of the nineties and it deserves to be better known. At last, given the success of "the Magdalene sisters" in 2003, Peter Mullan is well away to become one of the finest British directors of these last years.

Unfortunately, i didn't watch the movie "Trainspotting", so i missed Mullan's acting in that film. I knew that "Orphans" is the first directorial debut of Mullan.

The entire film has been brilliantly directed.The story of the movie in short: four brother and sister gather at a stormy night for their mother's funeral.As they gather, their love, hate, grief, for each other are expressed individually in that brilliant drama.

The entire cast and music are nice. actually, i like Stevenson's acting as "Sheila". She is brilliant.

Congratulation Mullan to direct such a brilliant drama!

I would like to rate this movie : 8 out of 10.

With his third film as director Neds seeing release just recently, the previous two films of Peter Mullan were given a back-to-back television showing. I managed to catch his first, Orphans, having never before heard anything of it.

Meeting to mourn the loss of their mother, four Glaswegian siblings gather in a pub. When an inconsiderate group laugh at the lugubrious singing of the eldest, one of his brothers retorts physically and is stabbed. The remaining brother vows to avenge this whilst the handicapped sister finds herself stuck in a darkened alley, her wheelchair broken.

Orphans begins with a solemn scene, the four siblings gathered around their mother's coffin. Some gentle humour is created through the siblings' confusion at their elder's request that they place some hair in the coffin. This introduces us to the film's primary structure: scenes of genuine heartfelt drama lined with a subtle comedy to balance the mood. As things progress, we begin to see in increase in this comic factor, the film's clever blending of its contrasting elements creating a wonderful dichotomy. The true beauty of the film, however, is in its juxtaposition of its constituent elements. Many are the scenes which Mullan allows to play out, drawing us in with a barrage of riotous laughter, before effortlessly turning this on its head with a disarming simplicity and forcing us to comprehend the dramatic implications of the events unfolding before us. In a simple moment, we go from laughing at something to considering its grim seriousness. It is a stunning effect, one often attempted but rarely realised so fantastically as here. Mullan ends his scenes by inviting us to reconsider what we have just seen; we find ourselves looking at events with a melancholy when just moments ago they had us reduced to breathless laughter. He allows us to indulge ourselves in the fantastic comedy his writing engenders before showing us that these scenarios are in fact tremendously dark and dramatic. We may chuckle at Michael's determination to pass off his stab wound as an industrial accident, but we quickly reevaluate the true humour of this when we realise that he is slowly dying, his lightening pallor eventually quite frightening. This is just one example of the many such twists Mullan throws at us, showing himself to be as dramatically dark as he is ingeniously funny.

A truly fantastic combination of drama and comedy, done in a subversive way which forces us to reevaluate what we thought of a scene just seconds before, Orphans is a fantastic exploration of the closeness of drama and comedy. Splendidly supported by fantastic, hilarious, and realistically authentic Glaswegian performances, this film has certainly proclaimed Peter Mullan as a masterful director.

I've noticed that what people seem to miss in their reviews of this fine movie is that the characters aren't really supposed to be likeable. This is not a Meg Ryan romantic comedy, it's a tough, gritty ultra-realistic portrayal of the poor sections of Scotland's largest city and the people who inhabit them. I mean really... if you're looking for "Sleepless In Seattle", this movie is not for you. If you're concerned about the language - as some previous reviewers have been - take my advice; avoid this movie and avoid Glasgow. People really talk like that.

Mullen, already an accomplished actor both on stage and film, shows that his talent stretches far beyond performance and delivers both in the script and directorally a solid and enjoyably depressing movie with equal laughs and tears. It puts the viewer on a relentless, unforgiving emotional rollercoaster; up in parts and down the next with little warning and not much time to adjust. This makes for uncomfortable viewing at times, but therein lies the genius behind it.

It amazes me that people waste time on the pointless "Trainspotting" when gems like 'Orphans' (and "My Name Is Joe") are around. It's masterful film-making, taking realistic characters and settings down dark and noirish surrealistic scenarios with spot-on performances by all. If you know Glasgow, you'll see it in all its glory, good and bad, perfectly portrayed on the screen. If you're not from Glasgow but you have an open mind, don't miss it.

And remember... every f**ker loves Connolly. ;)

Wow, what a night this has been. It started off with Glasgow's very interesting "Orphans", and finished with Berlin's equally interesting "Nighshades"; the first was a black comedy, the second merely black. My advice to the neighbors of these Glaswegians and Berliners would be: keep your doors locked.

Both of these films deal with the eternal verities of life - love, loyalty, friendship, duty, betrayal, etc. - as encountered amid the emotional squalor in two of northern Europe's major cities, but there are enough sociopathic and psychopathic characters in these two films to populate several good sized asylums for the criminally insane. These people need to get more sun.

"Orphans", at least, was a bittersweet black comedy, though more bitter than sweet. Life might be hard in inner-city Glasgow, but some of their vendettas would seem more appropriate to Sicily than to Scotland. There is a harshness to the humor that is at times more than black. Death can often be funny, but can one say the same for rape and murder - even when not fully consumated? Perhaps the English can enjoy this bit of schadenfreude at the Scots' expense.

I have only one real complaint about "Orphans", however, and it's a technical one. The film has the WORST SUBTITLES EVER PUT ON FILM - and they're English-to-English! If the characters are speaking English - heavily accented though it may be - why on earth would the dialog itself be changed in the sub-titles? Do the people responsible really believe that they have to substitute the word "baby" in the sub-titles every time a Glaswegian holding a child makes a reference to the "wee 'un?" And to hear the characters actually say the "F" word dozens of times, yet find the word in the sub-titles not once is very odd. Maybe these sub-titles are a part black-comedy in themselves. Ultimately, though, they are just disappointing and unprofessional. In the event, I would certainly recommend this film for it's superb acting - at least I hope it's acting - black humor, and unique take on Death in Glasgow, but when it comes to your summer holidays I'd recommend giving working-class Glasgow a very wide berth. Ditto for Berlin.

What starts out as simple film about four siblings trying to cope with their mother's death, soon becomes a surreal tour-de-force. Peter Mullen pulls off a very tricky script and several changes of mood in the film to create something quite unique. There are some marvellous set pieces in here. It's a brave choice to use black comedy to highlight the pain of bereavement, but Orphans triumphantly pulls it off.

It's just a shame the film company buried the film, as this is one of the great British movies of the last few decades.

A magnificent film that deals with grief in a very black yet warm manner.

Three brothers and a sister are torn apart upon the death of their mother. In the lead up to her funeral they all express their loss in different ways, from the recklessly violent to the automated responses of dealing with the ritual of the funeral itself.

Peppered with wonderful moments of Glaswegian humour - the graveside scene, though obviously contrived, is a moment of pure comic genius - this film is both deeply touching and funny.

If you like your humour dark, see it now.

As usual about 2 people went to see this film but i seriously recommend the film though i would not watch it if there had been a recent bereavement in my family. It has strong moments emotionally and some of the humour may be offensive to a certain category of people. The film combines serious drama with comedy making it a very mixed emotional film but one which is sure to make you laugh. It's got to be one of the best british films unseen by the masses.

I did not like Orphans. I knew I did not like Orphans from the opening scene onwards. To sum it up: the movie does not know where to go: is it drama or comedy? Sure, a mixture of the two is possible, but here it fails miserably: the drama is forced, the comedy not at all funny, but very gross. There are far better alternatives to see Scottish films than this one. Vote: 2

orphans is truly one of the best films i have seen in a long time. written and directed by peter mullan (who is already an amazing actor--miss julie, my name is joe), orphans takes us through the lives of four siblings who have to cope with the death of their mother. gary lewis (billy elliot) is the eldest, but most childish, son who cannot let go of mummy; stephen mccole (rushmore) is the juvenile delinquent of the family; rosemarie stevenson is their wheelchair-bound sister; and douglas henshall (twice upon a yesterday) is the adult of the lot who has to keep the family together. we see how each of the siblings deals with her death--whether it's by singing a song in a kareoke bar or getting into a brawl with another person, the siblings act on their emotions and often get into trouble.

the movie was a good mix of comedy (watch for the priceless scene with stephen mccole spying on a neighbour), drama, and action. douglas henshall was amazing, as he has to deal with his siblings as well as his own ex-wife and son while he is coping with mum's death. his character is so real and believeable. there are also many sweet scenes in the film, such as the scene in the beginning where they all remember being comforted by their mum during a storm. this movie kept me interested with its great script and acting, and everyone in it was excellent. stephen mccole especially did a great job--before orphans i knew his as just the mean scottish kid in rushmore. he represented the frustration of youth and also offered a lot of comic relief to the plot too. this is not your typical film, and i think it follows in the tradition of good scottish filmmaking. definitely check out orphans if you are looking for a dark comedy that is well-written with a cast of very talented actors. and it does come with subtitles, if you aren't good with scottish accents.

To me, this is one of those films, whose scenes linger, almost haunt long after the vague and slightly off-putting title is long forgotten.

Mixing raw emotional drama, worthy of any work by Lars von Trier and the Catholic-induced fantasies that Neil Jordan fused so well into the grime and poverty of modern society this is one hell of a bumpy, but rewarding cinematic ride. In Jordan's case, Ireland, in this, Scottish director Peter Mullan is mid 90's Glasgow.

There's a gutter encrusted language that refuses to shock as it seems so much a part of the angst and misunderstanding of a modern society losing its religion but that same religion has never been more needed. In the same way of Mullan's 'My Name Is Joe', (in which he takes lead part) life is sheer hell at times and grasping onto what you know and rely on is paramount. Whether that faith be in alcohol, drugs, the church or family. Or all four.

So, the mother of the family dies and everybody is highly overwrought. Scotland's finest actors, often only seen in more lame films (Douglas Henshall, for instance is outstanding in this) or the current gritty Scots TV D.I 'Taggart', who ends up not in quite as much control as he's used to. Stalwart actor Gary Lewis (Full Monty, Brassed Off) is the lay priest and brother who tries to keep his family united as well as his church and when a storm hits...

On this, my third viewing, those scenes are worthy of anything - and more - that Hollywood can do. Truly making me goose-bumped and, frankly, perspiring as the score, the focused direction plus performances as good as anything you'll see ably pumps up the melodrama. A revenge plot for a stabbing that leaves Henshall running for cover, injured, blood- soaked and delirious leads him screaming for Sanctuary at his estranged brother's church. Will the Will of God allow personal bitterness to be overcome?

Unusually, another lead - and thankfully, without mawkishness, is a sister to the brothers and who is severely disabled with cerebral palsy and in an electric chair. The sort of plucky girl who thanks people for calling her a 'spastic'. Totally un-PC, but she's grateful for their full frontal honesty. Don't expect a shrinking violet...

'Orphans' might well not be as topical as Mullan's most well known film 'The Magdalene Sisters' and hasn't got the fantastic fantasy and hip- soundtrack of Boyle's Trainspotting. But, for my money, in its own ways it sits up there with the two as some of the very finest Scottish set, or originated, films, ever.

Don't read any reviews... WATCH THE FILM FIRST...

First of all - This is my first feature film comment. I felt compelled to do so like never before after watching a film. I've seen the short film called the Fridge also written and directed by Mr Mullen. I guess I must be a fan then! Why did I like this film so much? It's a rich tapestry of plot lines centred around the death of the mother of four grown siblings - a brilliantly crafted and extremely well written script. I wondered several times where the plot was going. I loved the way the dry humour enhances the dark theme and at one point I was in hysterics. I know not everyone will share my view as everyone has different opinions of life but I'm one of those people who can laugh during funerals anyway.

Totally realistic characters were acted by a brilliant cast - I use the term acted because it didn't seem like any of them were acting.

The best way to watch this film is without expectations and not even seeing trailers or reading synopsises (my preferred way). If you haven't already seen it let it take you with it and let it carry you along as it did with me with no preconceived ideas or judgements. Let it surprise you with it's honesty of character and delight you with its humour. I see it as a gritty drama with funny moments rather than a comedy as such.

It's firmly in my top three favourite films along with Fargo and Life of Brian.

This comment hasn't done the film any justice and I'm hoping you've already seen it before you've read this far. I just wanted to show support for this British, nay Scottish, gem of a film.

I'm not from Glasgow, but I rate this film as one of the best British films in recent years. It certainly deserves all it's awards and nominations. The film is a powerful drama with some humorous moments. It is often intense and explores grief and the relationship between the four siblings coping with the death of their mother. All the action takes place the night before the funeral. Sometimes the accents are difficult to understand, but it is well worth making the effort to try and understand. It is a mystery as to why the still photographs from the film are not actually scenes from the final addition of the film. I understand that film four accidently destroyed a lot of the original footage, so maybe some of the original scenes are lost forever.

I read a few positive comments about this movie, so I decided to watch it. Since I really liked Peter Mullan in "My Name Is Joe", I expected "Orphans" to follow the same tradition, but after watching it for 40 minutes or so I was really disappointed, so I finally lost any interest and stopped the tape. I guess different people have different perceptions of humor, but if you - like me - are hoping for something in the mood of "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" or, in the worst case, "London Kills Me", do not waste your time: you will not find anything funny (unless you get amused by listenning to every single character repeating "f***ing" every other word). The only good comment I could make would be about the actors, but even they did not save this uninteresting film.

Having recently seen 'My name is Joe' I was looking forward to Peter Mullin's directorial debut but this movie disappoints. What is the point of this movie? If it's a comedy then it's not very funny (but it has one brilliant scene). It's difficult at times to work out what's meant to be funny and what's meant to be serious. If it's a social commentary then it fails to impart a coherent message. The lasting impression is that Glasgow is a bleak and violent city (as if we didn't know this). The acting varied from very good (most of the main characters were well played) to amateurish (several bit parts were badly acted). I left the theatre promising to write this review quickly before I forgot what the movie was about. I gave it 6/10. Go see it on a rainy afternoon in Glasgow.

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.

Hands down, this movie is the BEST movie i've ever seen in my puff! The "Glasgow Banter". That's what it's all about. If you are not from Scotland or Glasgow even, I doubt you will appreciate the humour.

I remember watching this film with a bunch of American friends. They simply didn't get it. But can you blame them? Only a true Scot would understand what the hell they were talking about.

The characters are not just characters in some small Scottish film, they are real people, planted all over Glasgow. In other words there is a Michael and Thomas in every pub and a little old woman (complaining about her ramp) in every tenement building. This is real life people, not just a "movie". To be honest, it's sort of a wake up call to the masses. This is what Glasgow is like, so if you want your head panned in, you are welcome to visit any time. I'm only joking.

I really don't know if I loved this movie so much because, it's very seldom a real good Glasgow film is made, or because I can relate to everything that happened in the storyline. It's hard to tell.

So if you would like to see what Glasgow is like and what the people here have to offer I advise you 2 give it a watch, it's well worth it. Oh n the subtitles r always available for your viewing pleasure.

ENJOY...

This picture, as well as Ken Loach's "My Name Is Joe" (featuring Peter Mullan's award-winning performance in the lead role) clearly show that Scotland is at the forefront of quality film in the British Isles (and I don't mean Trainspotting, which it is nothing like, Mr. D Throat). Harsh, sometimes far-fetched but most often allowing Mullan's endearing humanist take on relationships and bereavement to shine through, "Orphans" has at once tremendous power and sensitivity. Superb casting, emotive performances and some great jokes (the bathroom window scene in particular) make this the British film of 1999 (to think we had to wait 2 years for it's release, although some might see this as fortunate considering Mullan's standing since "...Joe".

It's not often I cry in a cinema, but "Orphans" had me in tears at both the beginning and end of the film, and even at the end of the credits, where a small, discreet dedication made sense of how deep the emotion goes. Even makes one contemplate one's own family life, and that surely is the biggest compliment!

Truly wonderful.

Too bad. Black comedy attempt that tries to mix sibling love w/ over-the-tops humor. I wish there were no subtitles, then maybe I could blame it on the idiom. Scotland is made all the more dreary. Is there one one likeable/sympethetic lead character? Not even the poor actress in the wheelchair! How could they cock that up? I don't see a US audience for this one.

Traditions in life and death are important but, in this film they are carried to extreme.It's Glasgow,it's late and anything can happen and does.Peter Mullen provides an ironic view of reactions to grief as epitomized by the family.Each pursues a tragic/comedic personal journey through the night prior to their mother's funeral. A great asset to the Tourist industry highlighting Glasgow's night life. A great cast who feed of each other magnificently. Very funny film.

An honest movie, both funny and distressing. Each of the incidents in the film could stand as its own short movie. My only complaints are that the dialogue may be a bit difficult to understand for non-Glaswegians, and the violence is too quick for those brought up on Hollywood slow-mo. But then, in its rapidity and arbitrary nature, the violence is seen as truly horrific.

What a movie Orphans really is, an under-stated classic movie set in the mean streets of Glasgow. Where Trainspotting deals with dark subject matter as drug use and violence, Orphans is a light hearted, dark, touching and funny film which Glasgow people can relate to better than anybody else - that's not to say anybody else won't enjoy it, great movies come from all over the globe (examples - Chopper (Australia), City of God (Brazil),Run Lola Run(Germany) ) so it doesn't matter where movies come from you just tune in,watch and admire great film-making! Peter Mullan writes and directs Orphans the way he did because he's seen it all and there's nothing better than bringing life experiences to the screen with so much pride and to me it was a real pleasure to see Glasgow shown in it's true colours. Every one of the actors gives there all to there parts and there is some wild scenarios but all very believable and very fresh. Mullan went on to win the Palme'Dor for the Magdalene Sisters after this and we need more directors like him to give us challenging films. Orphans is great fun and although very touching in parts, it is very funny and a good laugh. Bravo Mr. Mullan!! P.s - If you get the DVD check out the amazing short film included, It's called The Close, a dark little horror short and it's filmed in Black and white and cost 500 pounds to make ( so Peter told me when i met him!) - money very well spent!

This movie was quite a disappointment. And the Problem is that we've all seen stuff like this before in better films. The film' s biggest problem is that it cannot decide whether to be a drama or a comedy. These genres do not mix, and this is an excellent example of how to mess it up. The dialogue is typical "I can shout in my accent and make it sound like fine acting" which we see in too many movies nowadays. The acting is bad, especially by the three leads. And the wheelchaired sister isn't funny/heartbreaking either: rather a nuisance throughout. If scottish movies are going to keep being like this (all roughly the same since trainspotting) it's gonna die out as quick as it came.

Cracking film, unfortunately, the humour will not translate outside of Glasgow. Some of the one-liners had me in tears of laughter