‘Sunshine On Leith’
“Davy and Ally have to relearn how to live in Edinburgh after serving in Afghanistan.“
I was really looking forward to watching this movie and to say that it did not disappoint is a massive understatement.
This is one of the best movies I have watched in a very long time.
Some might call it a “jukebox musical” as it is based on the stage show of the same name, which I have also been to see. The reason it’s called a jukebox musical is because the story is written around existing songs from an established musical artist, in this case The Proclaimers. If that still doesn’t explain it clearly then think Mamma Mia – a musical and subsequent film written to the back catalogue of songs by Abba.
That is where the similarity with Mamma Mia ends. Mamma Mia works well as a stage show because it’s all about the live action and the atmosphere but I don’t think it translated into film all that well. The story was just not strong enough, in my opinion.
The Proclaimers are twins from Scotland who have had a long and successful career, in Scotland certainly but I’m not exactly sure how internationally well known they are. Their appeal definitely isn’t their looks because it’s a sad situation when you can get that ugly – twice. Their songs are very Scottish and when they sing their accents are very strong which, to me, is why I enjoy their music so much. Therefore, it follows that the movie is also very, very Scottish.
Set in Edinburgh, the plot of Sunshine On Leith revolves around three couples and their relationships – both with each other and also with the other couples.
All good musicals tend to start with a punchy opening number. This is no different but it’s punchy for a different reason and you really have to wait until the second song before you get the warm musical feeling…
Happy and sad. Funny and serious. This really is a “birly” of a movie that I never wanted to end and I watched it again as soon as the credits started rolling.
I’ve not watched a new movie in such a long time that’s made me feel so good by the end of it. Firstly, in a general feel good kind of way but secondly, for being Scottish!
Watch it now on Amazon Video.
THE SONGS
The theme song is of course one of The Proclaimers most loved songs ‘Sunshine On Leith’.
One of my favourite songs featured is the cast’s version of ‘500 miles’.
Talk About Pop Music 