Quite possibly the most beautiful film about poverty that I've seen. Since I'm an ignorant yankee, a bulk of the dialogue was very difficult for me to understand, but through the brilliant performances by every single actor the point of each scene was never lost on me. Extremely moving and edited to perfection, with a score that is equal parts subtle and powerful. There's a reason this debut film, by "We Need To Talk About Kevin" director Lynne Ramsay, is on Criterion Collection.

A gritty look at the life of a family during the Scottish Rubbish Strikes. Beautifully shot and perfect story telling from Ramsey.

The magnificent "Ratcatcher" is all about escape, even if its lead character is not aware of it. This film was Lynne Ramsay's feature film debut. I have been ignoring her for too long.

Every now and then I watch a great movie that reminds me why film can be such a powerful medium. Ratcatcher is one of those films. Intimate, poetic and eerily beautiful despite the dreariness of the setting, Lynne Ramsay has constructed a fantastic glimpse of a childhood in transition.

Now I hate Glasgow even more.

Ratcatcher is the stunning first feature length film directed by Lynne Ramsay. The film focuses on a young adolescent boy dealing with a dysfunctional family, growing sexual awareness, and guilt over the death of a friend, all played out in the slums of Glasgow during a garbage strike. He dreams of escaping and takes periodic bus rides to a partially built housing development outside of the city. The film is beautifully directed and William Eadie is excellent as the young boy.

A Mouse flight to the moon. nuff said ^ ^a

Bleak and dreary, yet somehow, likely through the use of children, Ramsey elicits compassion for and finds beauty in the people that populate this darkened world. The opening sequence is an effective bit of misdirection that makes it much easier to feel for James. And the woman who plays his mother is especially good evoking strength, stability, and softness in an understated performance.

(Quickie Review)

"Ratcatcher" combines powerful and haunting storytelling with exceptionally beautiful photography, to tell an adolescent portrait study on identity, behavior and development. The debut film from Lynne Ramsay, centers around a boy, who by way of tragedy, wrecked home and social life, searches for his dreams, joy and solace. All while in the mess of the mid Glasgow, Scotland garbage strike of the mid 1970s. It's quickly become one of my favorite films.

-djg

Breathtakingly beautiful and heartbreakingly real, felt like I was watching a real family going through some hard times. Awesome score, wonderful cinematography and of course Ramsay's direcion, just so great. Anxious to see more of her work now.

A gritty look at the life of a family during the Scottish Rubbish Strikes. Beautifully shot and perfect story telling from Ramsey.

Bleak, grimy, and thoughtful this is an excellent first film by Lynne Ramsay (We Need to Talk about Kevin)

Φτωχογειτονιές της Γλασκώβης, εξαθλίωση, κατεστραμμένα όνειρα, βυθισμένα -κυριολεκτικά- στα σκουπίδια και τα ποντίκια, και μια νότα ελπίδας στο τέλος με ένα παιδικό χαμόγελο που δε θα ξεχάσω ποτέ. Σκηνοθετικό ντεμπούτο της Lynne Ramsay (το μαγικό 1999) και της βγάζω το καπέλο.

terminally over-rated art film by numbers. name one thing - ONE THING! - that this film does that's new or different or is not derivative. it's nicely derivative yes, but it's also achingly boring as if there's a big stew of british art film cliches that's been overcooked and forced down our throats. i have no idea how this has a good reputation at all. rubbish