TrueHello Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

Humbersi The first must-see film of the year.

Rio Hayward All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Anoushka Slater While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

drew-campbell Beautifully shot and scripted, this gripping human drama is one of the best British films I've seen in recent years.Two of a four-man crew on a Scottish fishing trawler on the verge of bankruptcy decide to traffic a group of Chinese immigrants in their hold; the young first mate (Martin Compston) keeps this highly illegal transaction secret from his proud father and boat's captain (Gary Lewis), but hopes it should go a long way to balancing the books. Meanwhile the dodgy crew member (Peter Mullan), who persuaded him to do the deed in the first place, gradually starts to develop a conscience as he witnesses the worsening degradation of the people slowly dying in the bowels of their vessel. Meanwhile sexually confused cook (Steven Robertson) helps the young pre-teen girl (Angel Li, on her debut) who is driven by desperation to steal out of the fetid, watery hold to his galley.The five principals are utterly compelling throughout, making the unflinching honesty of the story as it moves towards its inexorable destination so completely believable. On one level it is the kind of human suffering as old as mankind itself, while also reflecting the consequences as the pitiless expansion of modern global capitalism continues unchecked.Despite being a) Scottish and b) a bit of a buff for independent film, I had never even heard of this film when my 17-year old son & I came across it by accident on BBC late one night. It is a superb piece of work from all concerned and a genuinely moving experience. I can only assume the lack of big studio, big names and big budget (along with a quite forgettable, unhelpful title) conspired to ensure this memorable film didn't get a wider audience or praise. A great shame, but seek it out - you won't be disappointed.

bounty-hunter-Kabarakh "True North" is about a fisherman boat, transporting illegal Chinese immigrants from Belgium to Scotland, because they need the money in their desperate situation. This movie is about cruel reality. It is one of those movies, which reminds me, that I live a comfortable live. This movie keeps you mesmerized from the beginning to the end. Throughout the movie my thoughts were "Oh no, please don't let that happen, please not that...", although of course I knew it is unavoidable. Because that is, what the movie is about in the first place. Although there are some moments of relief, beware, the story is desperately unhappy. It leaves a lump in your throat. At the end, when the camera zooms out, a shiver went through my spine and I had tears in my eyes. "True North" accomplishes this not just by storytelling alone. It is perfectly executed. The actors performances are superb, the camera gives you the impression of being on the ship, in the storm, better than for example in "The Perfect Storm". It all feels so real. It is a great movie.

mactakeshi I have just watched this film on television. I can only say that it was a very emotional ending. I would like everyone to remember this happens on a daily basis through out the world and we should pause for a moment to take in the enormity of it. However fictional it may be, this is a story that had to be told. I feel the writer may have developed the story before the cockle pickers from China died in England, factual. But to answer the person who posted that the film was too conveniently wrapped up at the end. The ending can still be compared to the reality of cheap labour being smuggled into a country successfully but still meeting a fatal ending. This film is a very honest portrayal of the fatal dangers involved in people smuggling. And although I originally thought it would be a reality check for people attempting leave their home for the promised land of the WEST. I have changed my mind because these people are intelligent enough to know that the hard place they are getting into is better than the rock they are currently under. It is still a honest account that the WEST is not all that it promises. I know anyone intelligent enough to watch this film will know that Scotland's people are not Chinese killers, however I still hope that people's judgement of Scotland is not affected by it. p.s. FAQ The young star of the film first starred in a film set in Inverclyde Scotland called Sweet Sixteen, and didn't Peter Mullen walk into a brothel called funnily enough Sweet Sixteen in Belgium, Only a thought...

jaffacake2k If you enjoy a great character driven yarn then this film is a must see. If you yearn for Hollywood style action then just switch on your Sky box - everything you need will be there.Its hard to pigeon-hole this film in any specific genre. I imagine it will come under 'drama' or possibly 'thriller'. But quite simply its much more than either.The screenplay/script/acting/direction are all of the highest standard. If I was being honest I would have happily watched 2 hours of the main characters just chatting as the dialogue is exquisite at times. Its REAL banter. The humour is generated in the actors delivery of the line rather than the line itself.The premise of the film is very simple. An under-performing fishing trawler needs a rapid injection of cash. So the crew, unbeknown to the captain, take on board a couple of dozen illegal immigrants and attempt to smuggle them into Scotland for a large sum of said cash.This film is very insightful and ultimately very moving. When I sat down to watch this I didn't even have an outline of what the film was about so I was unprepared for what I was to experience. And I feel 'experience' is the right word. You are there cooped up in the cramped living conditions and poor weather. As the story chugs along you are there with it. It never leaves you behind or allows you to race ahead of it.Watch this film.10/10