Film Reviews by None

I first saw this about 30 years ago and it's every bit as charming as I remember. Slightly rambling and episodic (but, for me at least, in a good way), it beautifully captures the central character's rather dim-witted, romantic and passionate intensity (reminds me of my younger self, which is probably why I love it so much).

I loved these when I first saw them, but found them impossible to watch again because Rumpole's attitudes (especially towards women) are just so old-fashioned that they are unbearable. I know it was a long time ago, and the shows reflected what were rather wide-spread views at the time, but watching Rumpole descredite a rape victim by reducing her to tears by subjecting her to an incredibly aggressive cross-examination about her sex life was something I just couldn't sit through. Historically, they're a good reminder that some things have changed for the better, but they no longer work as entertaining comedies; not for me, at least.

Perhaps Bill Forsythe's best film, with a touch of the Ealing Comedies about it (Whisky Galore comes to mind). It's a wistful reflection on Scottish identity, the virtues of small-town life and the value (or not) of money. It's sentimental, but (imho) in a really good way, with lovely performances by the main actors and a fabulous supporting cast. Well worth seeing (or seeing again. And again).