Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Hebrides at its best, 12 Mar 2007
I was not sure what to expect from this film but what I got was spectacular scenery, lots of laughs and an easy watch with a nice story along with it. The plot is a simple love story and should appeal to most people in some way either for the love interest or the local peoples reaction to a stranger. This film was little known and went through a small cinema release but it really deserves more acclaim, it is a definite must for watching even if it just to see the Outer Hebrides portrayed as a great place to live.
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sweet and nostalgic, 13 Mar 2008
An undemanding movie which is nonetheless intelligently put together, this ranks just below `Local Hero' and some way better than `The Englishman who walked up a mountain..', while having similarities to each.
When a German scientist (Gerhard Zucher) and his colleague in 1938 are sent to the Isle of Scapa in the Hebrides to test out their burgeoning rocket technology, sending post from the island to the mainland, they at first encounter distrust from the locals. However, a romance blossoms between the scientist and a local beauty and the islanders start to mellow... just as Germany and others start to take an interest which will culminate in difficult choices.
The stunning Hebridean scenery is breathtaking, and acting (and accents) good enough to let yourself be carried away with what would seem to be a pleasant piece of whimsy, were it not actually (loosely) based on fact. The humour occasionally misfires when leaning towards slapstick, but otherwise sticks to safe territory which works well. As the film veers to melodrama, the change in tone actually brings out the best in the actors and prevents the movie from having too sweet an aftertaste.
On the acting front there are no complaints, and a few decent cameos accentuate the fine central characters. In particular, Kevin McKidd makes a memorable Glaswegian poacher, who becomes an unlikely ally for the scientists as they find their way in the community.
All in all, a harmless movie which has unjustly sat on the shelves since 2003, and for those wanting an evening of undemanding entertainment in the romantic / melodrama department with fine scenery, this should fit the bill.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Charming independent British production., 15 Mar 2007
Sadly, this charming and very worthy independent British film was almost completely neglected by the UK film chains system.
Beautifully shot on location in the Outer Hebrides, it features the whimsical humour and characters reminiscent of the old Ealing comedies but this is not just a comedy. Based on a true story of a German scientist who was aiming to establish a rocket-propelled postal service in the Scottish isles, it also features high drama with its 1938 setting as Hitler was by then recalling all German rocket scientists back to the Fatherland.
The scientist is engagingly played by Ulrich Thomsen as the character gradually wins the respect and support of the local community. He also falls in love with island girl Catherine (a very nice performance from Shauna Mcdonald), winning over her embittered uncle (Clive Russell).
This film deserved a full general release in UK cinemas, I heartily recommend it now, thankfully, it has been released on DVD.
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