In the previous year, Netflix's Outlaw King rose to prominence and developed a cult following, and Mary Queen of Scots was another success.
With TV shows like Outlander, Scotland has been amply represented on both large and small screens.
TEN GREATEST SCOTTISH FILMS
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Under the Skin (2013)
Scarlett Johansson portrays a seductive yet predatory alien who lures Glaswegian men into her battered white van only to take them home and send them to an eternal plane of darkness in this chilling sci-fi story. Even though it sounds fantastical, many of the shots were captured in Glasgow's streets using real people and hidden cameras, lending the scenes a terrifying air of realism.
The Michael Faber novel of the same name, which was published 14 years earlier, served as a loose inspiration for this movie.
Although the mysterious alien is a murderer, the audience almost sides with her because, despite her constant confusion about the strange world she was born into, she quickly picks up on how the people behave and eventually begins to exhibit some human traits.
Braveheart (1995)
This movie more than makes up for its lack of accuracy in entertainment. This is the tale of William Wallace, one of Scotland's bloodiest warriors, and how, in the 13th century, he rallied his army to rebel against the oppression they were subjected to at the hands of the King of England.
Given how glorious and graphic the battle scenes were, it is easy to understand why Mel Gibson's direction and hero portrayal won the movie numerous awards.
The distinctive landscapes of Glencoe and Loch Leven give the movie a more distinctly Scottish feel, even though many of the battle scenes were actually shot in Ireland.
Don't be put off by the lengthy three-hour runtime; the lavish scenery, expansive battle scenes, and recurring theme of Scottish patriotism make for an enjoyable viewing experience.
Trainspotting (1996)
On the other end of the spectrum, Danny Boyle's cult classic is a perfect representation of what you don't see on calendars and postcards. The movie, which is based on the Irvine Welsh novel, tells the tale of four young addicts and their struggles with addiction, relationships, and poverty.
Due to its graphic content, it has drawn criticism for being pro-drug despite being emotional, eye-opening, and occasionally horrifying. But it doesn't attempt to glamourize the illness; rather, it depicts a very real and challenging illness that many people find difficult to understand.
Iggy Pop's wailing can be heard in the background as Renton runs from the police in the film's iconic opening scene in Edinburgh. All of this, along with excellent direction and a top-notch cast, results in a gritty but sensational movie.
Brave (2012)
Pixar has a long history of producing stunning animation, and this might be the best example of that. Princess Merida is fiercely independent and the idea of an arranged marriage makes her ill. Her wild fire-colored hair matches her feisty demeanor. She finds herself at odds with her family, particularly her mother, as a result of letting her wild ways take control of her.
The hazy animated scenes of early Celtic Scotland are a world away from the harsh bright colors from films like Toy Story, and they make for very relaxing viewing even though the plot may not be the best Pixar has ever come up with.
The princess' voice actress, Kelly MacDonald, gives the part an unheard-of amount of sass, and co-director Brenda Chapman did well to make sure that Pixar's first female protagonist was a strong and admirable one.
The Angels’ Share (2012)
In this Ken Loach-directed movie, the pervasive problem of youth unemployment and criminal activity in Edinburgh is investigated. A group of young offenders is introduced to one another in court after being found guilty of various crimes. They are sentenced to community service instead of jail, which is where new father Robbie meets whisky expert Harry.
The traditional Scottish dram helps the unlikely pair become closer, but once it becomes clear that Robbie will do anything to get his next drink, he eventually returns to a life of crime. It's important to note that despite portraying the lives of young misfits so well, none of the young offenders were played by professional actors.
Another way to look at this movie is as a clever mashup and revival of two iconic Scottish movies: Whisky Galore! (1949) and That Sinking Feeling (1980).
Gregory’s Girl (1980)
Gregory's Girl by Bill Forsyth is a charming coming-of-age story about Gregory, an outcast, and his simple life. Everything changes for him when attractive tomgirl Dorothy (played by Dee Hepburn), who is stuck in secondary school, joins his football team.
This gender role reversal is very refreshing to see, and at the time of the film's release, it was relatively ground-breaking and uncommon to see boys choosing baking as a class.
This movie's simplicity, especially in terms of its characters, is what makes it so great. John Gordon Sinclair plays Gregory, who meanders through life at his own pace. The most difficult challenge he must overcome is talking to the girl of his dreams and winning her over.
Even though it was released nearly forty years ago, this movie continues to speak to teenagers today, especially when it comes to topics like awkward young love.
Shallow Grave (1994)
Before Trainspotting, Danny Boyle made his directorial debut with Shallow Grave, based on a screenplay he wrote himself. The casting of relatively unknown actors Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston, and Kerry Fox as three flatmates in Edinburgh looking for a new tenant for their spare room was crucial to the movie's success. They choose Keith Allan, who promptly passes away and leaves a bag of cash behind.
The friends decide to dismember him and bury him while keeping the money. What happens next is a fascinating look at how each of them deals with the situation, and some unpleasant people show up looking for money. Eccleston, who will play Doctor Who in the future, adopts a Scots accent in a movie full of dark humor.
Local Hero (1983)
Local Hero, another one of Bill Forsyth's works, was filmed in Pennan in the northeast but is set in the fictitious town of Ferness. As a result of the small coastal town's potential as an oil site, the big boss in Texas sends oil executive Mac there.
Mac initially feels cramped because he is used to the vastness of America, but after meeting Oldsen, played by a young Peter Capaldi, and a variety of other colorful characters, he slowly but surely begins to fall in love with the location.
They ultimately fail to reach the agreement they had hoped for, but this is not a somber movie. Mac’s eventual sense of belonging in this new place is bittersweet to watch and is a feeling that surely resonates with a lot of viewers.
The Wicker Man (1973)
Without this timeless horror/thriller, the list of great movies set in Scotland wouldn't be complete. After a young girl goes missing, smartly dressed police officer Sergeant Neil Howie (Edward Woodward) is dispatched to the remote and enigmatic land of Summerisle, but the odd locals don't seem to know if she ever existed. When it comes to horrors, the opening is unlike the typical scenes from horror films that we are all accustomed to.
This discordance permeates the entire picture; even in seemingly unimportant scenes, there is a constant undercurrent of dread, and one of the reasons why this timeless thriller is still adored by moviegoers today is because of the immersive atmosphere director Robin Hardy created. It is terrifying and slow-burning horror at its finest.
Highlander (1986)
The role of swordsman Connor MacLeod, also known as the Highlander, who resides in, unsurprisingly, the Scottish Highlands, is played by French actor Christopher Lambert, allowing Sean Connery to portray a character with a Scots accent (despite being called Ramirez).
MacLeod is one of the Ramirez-trained immortal warriors who can only be killed by being beheaded. For several centuries, MacLeod continues to exist. He eventually settles in New York City and runs an antique store there.
