Running Time: 2hrs 7min
United Kingdom
Director: Brian Cox
Starring: Brian Cox, Allan Cumming, Shirley Henderson
Sometimes when you go to Tiff, you can't see all the films you want when you want to see them. The screening times overlap. Imagine a big theatre and trying to see all the films in one day. That's what Tiff feels like. You have 11 days to see all the films you find interesting.
I really wanted to see the World Premiere of GLENROTHAN, but thanks to a very accommodating PR person, I was able to see the second screening in the middle of 2 other films. I literally had 10 minutes between each film. I'm happy the timing worked out for this one.
I like to see movies like this one, with real characters and real stories. Brian Cox is no stranger to the film and television world. He had a huge success with the show Succession, but he has been acting since 1965, according to IMDB, with about 246 acting credits, and this is his second Directorial credit.
TIFF this year seems to be showcasing some really strong directing by actors; another film by Scarlett Johannsen is also very strong.
Actors bring with them the knowledge from all the directors they have ever worked with, and when someone such as Brian Cox has decades of acting experience, you know he has probably learned a thing or 2 about acting.
This story is about 2 brothers and their decisions in life, ultimately with one staying in Scotland at the family distillery and the other moving to America and owning a bar.
What made these decades of separation between the brothers is what the story is about.
It's amazing that you can grow up with someone but have very different experiences in life.
Donal (Alan Cumming) moves to America and builds a life and a family. Brother Sandy (Brian Cox) stays at the family Whisky Distillery in the Scottish Highlands to carry on with the family business while sacrificing his desire to do other things in life.
Sandy writes Donal a letter for him to come and visit with his family because his health is starting to fail. Reluctantly, Donal agrees to go with his daughter and granddaughter, who have a great relationship with Sandy.
Donal regrets his decision once he arrives because all the painful memories of his youth start flooding back. After much support from his old flame and his family, he finally realizes that his family and his home country are worth all the effort to keep them alive.
Cox lets the characters breathe and develop in this film. It's not a fast-paced film but more of a slow build with wonderfully developed characters.
I really enjoyed seeing the beautiful views of Scotland, it felt like taking a big breath when you watch it.
This film is very heartwarming and takes a deep look into family commitments and difficult relationships.
I couldn't find a public release date, but I am pretty sure it will happen.
At the time of writing this, there is one more TIFF screening available.
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