DVD Review – Sunshine on Leith
2 min read
There are very few musical films that don’t make you cringe, and thankfully, Sunshine on Leith is one of them.
Excellently heralded by actor turned director Dexter Fletcher, the film shows returning soldiers, best friends Davy (George MacKay) and Ally (Kevin Guthrie); Ally reunites with his girlfriend Liz (Freya Mavor), Davy’s sister, who in turn, meets Yvonne (Antonia Thomas), Liz’s friend. Furthermore, Davy and Ally’s parents Rab (Peter Mullan) and Jean (Jane Horrocks) are happily married and about to celebrate their 25th anniversary. Combined with sweet story lines and effective music, problems ensures in the most entertaining way possible.
An endearing film about love, family and friendship, combined with the musical score from hit Scottish band The Proclaimers, Sunshine on Leith surprisingly shines and presents impressive performances from veteran actors Mullan and Horrocks as husband and wife dealing with recent family obstacles.
What is to be highly commended is the amazing musical effort by the cast, performing all songs without any classically trained backgrounds. To some, the element of singing interwoven into the story may annoy and deter audiences from having a positive experience, however, if done right – as such with Sunshine on Leith – it can become a delightful watch. Musical director Paul Englishby successfully curated and executed a well-performed catalogue of The Proclaimers’ songs, creating a uplighting an euphoric atmosphere throughout the film.
The airy feeling of whimsical positivity doesn’t come too often, especially from the jukebox musical film Sunshine on Leith. Nonetheless, for someone who loves The Proclaimers’ hit song I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), visually seeing the number performed by two of the main characters, along with 100 plus extras is wonderfully satisfying to watch.
One thing is undeniable, Sunshine on Leith will definitely brighten your day, put a big smile on your face and make you break out into song.
