In Limboland #Filmreview #limbo

Posted on Aug 9, 2021 by TanGental

In the 80s we fell in love with Scotland via a film Local Hero. It helped the sound track was by Dire Straits, a favourite ensemble of the time. It was a sort of Travelogue with oil.

This week we experienced another snatch of what Scotland can offer. Limbo. The scenery is bleaker, more dreich if you like but the story line just as compelling.

Set on an anonymous Scottish Island a group of asylum seekers await the Home Office’s decidion whether to stay or be expelled, lining the endless hours with reruns of Friends and painful telephone conversations with family, using a desolate phone box because, as one refugee says, they got a better signal in the middle of the Med.

As the subject matter suggests it’s tough gritty and emotionally troubling. It’s also very funny. From the cultural awareness classes with Helga and Boris to the kidnap of a chicken, Freddie junior to a terrifying donuting on the sand in a car full of weirdy locals the humour is dotted throughout.

Mostly we follow Omar, escaping Syria and feeling a mix of despair guilt and frustration. He’s an Oud player, carrying his instrument everywhere even when he is pressganged into a fogbound boat trip to rescue sheep.

Two questions dominate the narrative: will he receive his letter and will he break his mental block and play his Oud?

You’ll have to go and find out for yourself. If you like your films without greenscreens and CGI, with thoughtful performances not least the chicken who the credits told us is called Eric and stippled with humour then give Limbo a whirl.

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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13 Responses to In Limboland #Filmreview #limbo

  1. Darlene says:
    Aug 9, 2021 at 4:07 pm

    Sounds great!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. noelleg44 says:
    Aug 9, 2021 at 4:09 pm

    Gotta see it, if I can find it. Love anything about Scotland…

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Peter's pondering says:
    Aug 9, 2021 at 4:49 pm

    I went down a rabbit hole with this…………..more to follow!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Mary Smith says:
    Aug 9, 2021 at 7:30 pm

    Sounds good, Geoff.

    Liked by 2 people

  5. ThingsHelenLoves says:
    Aug 10, 2021 at 9:58 am

    This looks really worth a watch. I like a film that is tough enough to make you think but with a touch of humanity and humour to keep it watchable. Must look up Local Hero also. Love the song, it’s played ( well, a version of!) at home games for Newcastle United. They are my home team, for better or worse!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Pingback: Because it is nice #1 – Peter's pondering

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