'Sunshine on Leith' is a 2013 Scottish musical, directed by Dexter Fletcher. Most people know it as 'The Proclaimers Musical', as it stars many of their songs.
Davy (George Mckay) and Ally (Kevin Guthrie) have returned home from war in Afghanistan. The film centres around their and their parent's love life. Ally wants to marry Davy's sister, Liz (Freya Mavor), while Davy starts a relationship with a nurse called Yvonne (Antonia Thomas). After refusing Ally's proposal, Liz moves to Florida and trains to become a nurse, Ally goes back to Afghanistan and Davy and Yvonne go through relationship issues. A second storyline stars Rab (Peter Mullen) and Jean (Jane Horrocks), Davy and Liz's parents. On Rab and Jean's 25th Anniversary, Jean finds a secret letter, threatening divorce. Rab then collapses from a heart attack, and they love each other again.
The storyline is perhaps the weakest aspect of this joyous and fun musical. If you know The Proclaimers's songs you can guess where the storyline will go. At some point someone will send letters from america and someone will get married. The way the storyline tangents to play specific songs can be irritating, resulting in a sporadic and weak plot. I felt the hospital storyline was unnecessary, as depressing illness should not be bought into films which are upbeat and happy. Same applied for 'Arthur', despite it being unfunny, there was no need for the storyline to go there.
What 'Mamma Mia' did to Abba and 'Tommy' did to The Who, is what 'Sunshine on Leith' has done to The Proclaimers. Cheesy song after cheesy song, random dances, average acting.
This is a purely Scottish film, set wholly in Edinburugh (except a few scenes in Afghanistan and about 10 seconds in Florida). Unexpectedly, the cinematography was impressive. Establishing shots of the city, under a yellow hazy sunset, is far superior than anything 'Mamma Mia' could have given. I have visited Edinburgh a few times, and the film makes it look better than it actually is! The film uses every landmark available in Edinburgh, from the historic hilly roads, to the museum, so if your a Scot, this film will make you proud.
Despite the songs being cheesy, they have amazing vocals. Even Peter Mullen sings amazing with his deep vibrating voice. Yes, even better than Russell Crowe. The person who decided to play 'It's over and done with' through the end credits is a genius.
Nice to see they put a few little Easter Eggs in the film, like the only American in the 10 second shot of Florida is a morbidly obese man, walking through a door in the distance. Also, during the 'I'm on my Way' song, The Proclaimers walk out of a pub.
TO CONCLUDE
The fun and enjoyment cancels out most of the negatives. More of a 'favourite' film then a 'best' film.
SCORE
75
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