Viewers have hailed the 1999 Glasgow-based drama Ratcatcher as the 'best Scottish film ever'. The social realist movie, directed and written by Scottish filmmaker Lynne Ramsay, is set in Glasgow during the mid-1970s garbage strike and depicts growing up in poverty.
The 'powerful' film follows 12-year-old James Gillespie, played by William Eadie. James carries a haunting secret after his friend accidentally drowned in the canal, and he ran away in terror without telling anyone. Set against uncollected trash and a soaring rat infestation, he navigates poverty and his bleak housing estate while burdened by guilt.
A Boy's Escape and Solace
James finds solace roaming an unfinished housing development, befriends a younger boy named Kenny, and develops an awkward bond with an older girl, Margaret Ann. The film is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime and scores 86 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes.
Viewers Praise Stark Realism
Many viewers have commented on the heartbreaking story. One fan wrote: "A superb Scottish film, and an excellent first feature from director Lynne Ramsay. It is an extremely real portrayal of the impoverished Glasgow residents of the early '70s. Beautiful camerawork and consistently good acting. Ratcatcher is hard to stomach at times but is highly recommended viewing for it's stark realism and power. Excellent movie."
Another praised: "Marvellous performances, gritty realism. A thoughtprovoking film." A third penned: "One of the most brilliant coming-of-age films I've ever seen, set in '70s Glasgow. Beautiful and layered, harsh and honest. Lynne Ramsay, where have you gone?"
Lasting Impact on Audiences
Someone else commented: "A very powerful film. Hard to watch at times because the subject matter was so painful. The acting was excellent; the movie felt very real and never forced or sensationalized. This is the sort of movie that sinks in over time." Yet another gushed: "One of the most gripping films I've ever seen; the poetry of what's unsaid is almost unbearable. The family relationships are incredibly moving...easily my favourite movie." While another viewer simply wrote: "Best Scottish film ever." Ratcatcher is available to watch on Amazon Prime.
