Queen And Country (15)
three stars
Dir: John Boorman
With: Callum Turner, Caleb Landry Jones
Runtime: 115 minutes
YOUNG Bill Rohan is all grown up and in the Army now in this sequel to John Boorman's beloved Hope And Glory (1987). It is 1952, a different world, a different war (Korea), and Bill (Callum Turner) is doing his National Service in the company of rebellious Percy (Caleb Landry Jones). Between them, they are about to learn a lot about authority, loyalty and love. The semi-autobiographical material is less eventful than in the wartime Hope And Glory and the film seems slighter in consequence, only rallying towards the end. Still, Turner (soon to be seen in Victor Frankenstein) is a British star in the making.
Glasgow Film Theatre, June 12-18, and available on GFT Player.
Second Coming (15)
three stars
Dir: Debbie Tucker Green
With: Idris Elba, Nadine Marshall
Runtime: 103 minutes
FRESH from its premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival in February, Debbie Tucker Green's drama is a slow-burn affair. Londoners Mark and Jackie (Idris Elba and Nadine Marshall) are bumbling along, paying the bills, loving their only son, getting on with things. Then Jackie has some news of the equilibrium-shattering kind, and the couple's relationship is put to the supreme test. A certain amount of faith is required to stay the distance with the plot, but Elba and Marshall shine throughout.
Glasgow Film Theatre, June 15-18
West (15)
four stars
Dir: Christian Schwochow
With: Jordis Triebel, Alexander Scheer
Runtime: 102 minutes
WHERE The Lives Of Others shone a light into the dank corners of life in the former East Germany, so Christian Schwochow's drama does the same for West Germany. Nelly (Jordis Triebel) and her son have made it to West Berlin, but instead of finding their happy-ever-after, scientist Nelly is greeted with suspicion, resentment and a string of hoops through which she must jump if she is to be granted citizenship. While not as gripping as The Lives Of Others, Schwochow's drama has its share of heart-in-the-mouth moments, and Triebel is terrific as the young woman dogged by the past.
Glasgow Film Theatre and DCA, June 12-18
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