Gregory's Girl (1981)
When Gregory can't score on the football pitch, will he have more luck off it?
Starring: John Gordon Sinclair, Dee Hepburn, Clare Grogan, Jake D'Arcy, Robert Buchanan, William Greenless, Chic Murray, Allison Forster
Director: Bill Forsyth
Running Time: 87 minutes
US MPAA rating: N/AUK BBFC rating: 12
Comedy, (Coming Of Age Drama)
On DVD If ever proof was needed that vast quantities of cash and over-the-top special effects aren't always necessary to make a truly great film, it can be found in the delightful "Gregory's Girl".
Pieced together on a shoestring budget of just £300,000, the film's global success briefly made a star of gangly Scots youth John Gordon Sinclair and also placed the brilliant Bill Forsyth firmly on the map as one of the UK's finest contemporary directors.
Sinclair personifies the awkwardness of young love as Gregory, the mis-firing striker shunted into an uncomfortable goalkeeping role in the school football team by moustache-growing PE teacher Phil Menzies (Jake D'Arcy). The lanky-but-likeable teen is soon head-over-heels in love with the new signing brought in to fill his boots up front - nimble-footed straight-talking Dorothy (Dee Hepburn). Gregory's plans to take Dorothy out on a first-ever date don't quite go to plan - but he soon finds himself cured of his infatuation in the best way possible by secret admirer Susan (Clare Grogan).
This super-charming and wonderfully-observed tale features oodles of Forsyth's trademark banter, made all the better for its adolescent innocence and sheer simplicity. Wonderful one-liners flow from Gregory and his class-mates throughout, and look out for an unexplained kid wandering around in a penguin costume in the background! Chic Murray is hilarious in a cameo role as the piano-tinkling Headmaster with a penchant for pastries, whilst Allison Forster puts in a marvellous performance as Gregory's worldy-wise 12-year-old sister.
While the clothes and hairstyles on display might have dated, the humour and relevance of this ingenious piece of film-making haven't aged a bit.
DVD Extras: There aren't any.
It's Got: One of the most consistently entertaining scripts you'll find in any movie.
It Needs: To give us some extras on the DVD - surely that's not too much to ask for one of the most important British films ever made? An audio commentary from Bill and perhaps a documentary would have gone down a treat.
Alternatives: 2 Girls, Local Hero, That Sinking Feeling.
Summary: Coming-of-age has never been better captured by film nor simultaneously made so funny and entertaining. A triumph from start to finish.
Review by Gary Panton
Review Date: 5th April 2003
External Links
Gregory's Girl at the IMDB
Comments1 Comment |
| This is one brillient film and proof that Britain can make good films from time to time. JGS makes his lines so spontainous sounding and the supporting actors all fit snuggly into the groove. Was I ever that young and niave. (yup) High points: The small kid knocking at the door, howling at the moon, dancing in the park with the gorgous Clare Grogan. Low points : No decent sequal |
| Comment by:- Boanerges | | 18 November 2004 | ip: logged |
