Watch My Ain Folk

My Ain Folk is a 1973 British film directed by Bill Douglas. It is the second part of the director's acclaimed "Trilogy", which also includes My Way Home and Comrades. The film is a semi-autobiographical story about a young boy named Jamie (played by Stephen Archibald) growing up in 1950s Scotland. The movie opens with Jamie living with his grandparents on a farm. His mother left him there years ago and never returned. Jamie is a lonely, shy boy who has trouble fitting in with the other children at school. His only friend is a stray dog he takes in and names "Rowdy".

Despite his difficult upbringing, Jamie has a strong sense of loyalty and responsibility. He helps out on the farm whenever he can, even if it means sacrificing his own playtime. His grandfather is a stern and distant man who is quick to punish Jamie for even the slightest infraction. Jamie's grandmother, on the other hand, is gentle and kind, and tries to make up for her husband's harshness.

One day, Jamie's mother (played by Jean Taylor Smith) returns to take him back to the city with her. She brings along her new boyfriend, a man named Charlie (played by Hughie Restorick). Jamie is hesitant to leave his grandparents and the farm behind, but he reluctantly goes with his mother.

Life in the city is a shock to Jamie's system. Everything is fast-paced and overwhelming, and his mother and Charlie are often drunk or high on drugs. Jamie's new home is a dilapidated apartment in a run-down neighborhood. He has to share a bed with his mother, who is often too drunk to take care of him.

Despite the squalor and neglect, Jamie finds solace in a new friendship with a boy named Robert (played by Paul Kermack). Robert is also an outsider, and the boys bond over their shared love of nature and animals. However, their friendship is threatened by Robert's hard-edged older brother, who thinks Jamie is a sissy.

As the film progresses, Jamie's world continues to unravel. He is a victim of bullying at school, and his mother's behavior becomes increasingly erratic. Charlie is physically abusive towards her, and Jamie witnesses several violent fights between them.

My Ain Folk is a bleak and heartbreaking film, but it is also a deeply affecting one. Director Bill Douglas drew heavily on his own childhood experiences to create the character of Jamie, and the film has a strong autobiographical feel. The movie is shot in a gritty, naturalistic style that adds to its emotional impact. The performances are all excellent, particularly Stephen Archibald's portrayal of Jamie.

One of the most striking things about My Ain Folk is the way it portrays poverty and deprivation. The film does not shy away from showing the harsh realities of life for working-class families in postwar Scotland. The dilapidated housing, the lack of resources, and the pervasive sense of hopelessness all make for a powerful commentary on the social conditions of the time.

Despite its darkness, My Ain Folk is ultimately a story of resilience and strength. Jamie may be a vulnerable child, but he also possesses a fierce determination to survive and thrive. His love for animals, his bond with Robert, and his innate sense of decency all help him navigate the difficult terrain of his life.

In conclusion, My Ain Folk is a powerful and moving film that deserves to be better known. It is a testament to the human spirit, and a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people.

My Ain Folk is a 1973 drama with a runtime of 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.