Sunshine on Leith is based on the sensational stage hit of the same name, featuring music by pop-folk band The Proclaimers. Read more …
The film follows the stories of Davy and Ally, who have to re-learn how to live life in Edinburgh after coming home from serving in Afghanistan. Both struggle to learn to live a life outside the army and to deal with the everyday struggles of family, jobs and relationships.
A remorselessly rousing attempt to do for the Scottish pub rock twins what Mamma Mia! did for Abba or Tommy for The Who.
When the actors, most of whom have good voices, do break into song, it’s easy to get swept up in the film’s general exuberance.
All of the cast can hold a tune and director Dexter Fletcher stages showstopping numbers with aplomb. The Edinburgh and Glasgow locations look fabulous and you will leave with a tear in your eye and a smile on your face.
Providing a joyous antidote to the grim social realism that Scottish cinema has become associated with, Sunshine On Leith is a charming, big-hearted crowd-pleaser. Far from the cringey Karaoke session you might be expecting, it’s an engaging feel-good experience. A feel-braw, if you will.
As a night out, Sunshine On Leith has enthusiasm by the bucket, and emotional roughness that is vastly preferable to the gloss of Mamma Mia.
Like The Proclaimers’ best known song the picture starts slowly but builds to a joyous conclusion that will convince you to jump on the next train to Scotland and expect glorious sunshine.
The overall quality of Sunshine on Leith is thankfully a far cry from the likes of Rock of Ages and Mamma Mia!, and worth seeing for Mullan’s Tom Waits-channelling alone.
Pitched perfectly between microbudget miracle Once and all-star Aegean romp Mamma Mia! What these songs lack in recognition they make up for in feelgood factor.
It may lack the subtleties and emotional wallop of a lo-fi musical like Once, but Sunshine On Leith delivers a bright, cheery, big-hearted smile of a movie. If it’s a huge hit, expect SingalongaRunrig at an IMAX near you.
The singalong, turned into a musical for stage and now screen, is better than one feared or hoped.
Dexter Fletcher's rousing, low-budget musical Sunshine on Leith is so likable that you hardly notice that the singing and choreography aren't all that slick or clever.
One week on and still smiling.
What makes it work are the performers, particularly Mullan and Horrocks, who give it their considerable all.
Things happens, people change and life evolves, but home – the place we’d walk 500 miles to get to – really is wherever the heart is.
Sunshine on Leith map showcases the Edinburgh locations used in the film
500 Smiles: Dexter Fletcher on Sunshine on Leith
McMamma Mia: Prolcaimers follow in Abba's musical footsteps
Sunshine on Leith is Dundee Rep's baby
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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