Crying With Laughter

Low budget thriller set in Edinburgh, this is an example of how to make an excellent film with few resources. Hearts sank when the cheap camerawork and rather grimy settings were revealed, but what came out was in fact a gripping, at times funny, and nicely thoughtful film about violence and, comedy, abuse.
It may seem like provincialism, but underneath the surface of even the initial shots lie undertides of violencce and barely concealed horror at something or other, something that can't be revealed. Yes, the script isn't perfect, and some of the acting is a little ridiculous, but a real mood is created of tension, anger, and grimness. The film is well paced enough to give a real hammer blow impact to the final scenes.
Direcotrial beauty is difficult on such a low budget, so the well told it is shown acdequately rather than brilliantly. The lead actor, after a shaky start, is good. He could do with some toning (both bodily and in acting style, leanness is recommended) but is at once sympathetic and capable of inciting disgust.
All told, a reasonably ambitious, but, most importantly, straight forward well-made low budget British film. More than a thumbs up, this film deserves all the support it gets.