American Cousins (2003)

Just perfect...

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

This film may be great, but it is a complete ripoff of Bill Forsythe's Comfort and Joy. c&j is one of the sweetest films I've ever seen without becoming diabetic.It's OK if you do like it, but realize that EVERYTHING in this film is a direct rip-off.The original is http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0087072 I can recommend almost anything by forsythe - Local Hero, Gregory's Girl, That Sinking Feeling. I better go rent some tonight. Local Has a young Peter Capaldi, and an old Burt Lancaster.Unfortunately he's given up film-making after some really crappy Hollywood treatment. Sad.

I feel I have to comment on this film purely to correct the comment below. None of the characters are traditionally Irish, as the film is set in Scotland. Dear me.American Cousins is a nice wee film. It didn't take itself too seriously, which is good as it was a little hammy & far fetched, particularly towards the end. Overall, the story was interesting - funny in places, heartbreakingly sad in others.It's a mafia film set in Glasgow (that would be Scotland). My only complaint is that it makes Glasgow look so backward, - dated, cultureless & empty. Glasgow is (like everywhere else in Scotland) every bit as modern as America or any other country but the hospital, café...everywhere in the film was dingy & dated.However, the cast were good, their acting carried the story (apart Stevan Rimkus, who was cringe-worthy to watch as JoJo) & the story was touching in places. A good film to pop on when you feel like some light entertainment.

Beautiful,heart-warming film.That shows, that the true love of a man can't be stopped by any misfortune in the world. Shirley Henderson´s performance is just wonderful and Gerald Lepkowski does a great job playing the hard-working , forlorn Italian with the biggest heart on earth.

I just got back from seeing this film at the 2003 Calgary International Film Festival. I had read good things going into it, and I was pretty well satisfied.I won't give a synopsis of the story since if you read the other comments, it's there, however I will give a general overview of how I thought the film performed.The acting was great. I really didn't have a problem with it. It was convincing, and to see some of the minor characters really stand out because of what they do and the way they do it was really nice to see. Gerald Lepkowski does a wonderful job as Roberto. We get to see his somewhat simple life and what is important to him. Shirley Henderson does a great job as well.The plot is simple, but it works. There are a few surprises through out the film that are great. It makes it not predictable and keeps you interested because you aren't sure just what you'll find.This is more of a comedy than a mobster type movie. And as that I think it does just fine. There are a lot of one liners, but they're amusing. As a mobster movie, this isn't, although you would think this by looking at it. It is very much about cousins, and family. 8/10