Tartan Shorts

POACHED

Justin Molotnikov is an excellent writer. In the past, with shorter shorts, it was the dialogue you remembered. Here, he directs his actors (a memorable debut from 13-year-old Ross O'Leary, playing opposite 17-year-old "veteran", Iain Robertson) and constructs his script with a surety and lightness of touch that is deeply impressive.

The story of two lads taking salmon from a river is driven by the character of the boys and the humour in the detail. Molotnikov's confidence in shooting out-of-doors is admirable. The countryside has never been fashionably hip. He gives it land cred.

Marcie's Dowry

David Mackenzie's tale of blackmail, gangsters and a policeman's wedding is a comic delight. Written by Bill Chamberlain, it concerns an old farmer (Edward Woodward) in the West of Scotland and his wife (Sheila Donald), who, over the years, have spent several bank loans on their daughter, Marcie (Marsali Stewart), and now that she's marrying her boy-in-blue (Kevin McKidd), there's no money left.

They decide that life insurance is the answer and Marcie's claim, after their demise, will act as a dowry. First they have to die. In the process of failing to drive off a cliff, they notice men-in-suits dumping what looks like a body in the quarry pool. Suddenly, being paid to keep their traps shut sounds like a healthier way to tackle the bank balance's short fall.

Mackenzie has a terrific feel for comedy and the performances are beautifully understated.

Billy & Zorba

Brian Kirk's film has a sentimental heart and a lovely performance from 11-year-old Iain de Caestecker, as Billy. James Cosmo, who was born to play "The Old Man And The Sea", is Zorba, a fisherman on Scotland's west coast, who thinks he's Anthony Quinn. His accent lets slip a few times, but it doesn't matter because its the passion in the man that counts.

Billy's mother's boyfriend (Robert Cavanah) bullies her into selling the village pub, which has always been home to Billy, and Zorba is desperate about poor catches and sees his life in ruins. Billy stows away on Zorba's boat when the old fisherman has decided to end it all at sea. On being discovered, Zorba is furious until Billy falls overboard and Zorba has to make another decision about life and death. Through friendship and shared danger, they discover strength (sob!) to face the future.