jc-osms As a Glaswegian, I was certainly aware of the real-life main criminal characters in this film without knowing all the ins and outs of who did what to whom, when and why. I largely looked in vain however for actual Glasgow locations, although the notes here tell me that's because the local police refused cooperation, which isn't hard to understand, watching the film.The film itself is a tough, often violent look at turf wars in Glasgow and in particular the rival bosses fighting it out for control and centres on Paul Ferris, a very well known character in these parts. It tells his story using childhood flashbacks to demonstrate the influence of his old-fashioned tough-love father, his friendship with two childhood buddies, whose fates at the end of the film help convince Ferris to go straight at last and of course his introduction to violence amongst both police and thieves which helped lead him on his criminal path.The story itself of a gangster's rise and fall isn't original and doesn't really aim for any great dynamism or originality in the direction either. Its striving for realism is limited by the afore-mentioned substitution for Glasgow by London, the noticeable (but not unwelcome) tempering of the way brutal beatings-up and shootings are depicted, plus the character acting in the cast isn't completely consistent. Martin Compston is slightly restricted in his portrayal of the titular character Paul Ferris by his baby-face demeanour but otherwise carries off a tricky, if clichéd part with plenty of conviction. John Hannah as a scheming would-be kingpin and Denis Lawson as Ferris's father lend experience to their parts and probably stand out accordingly from the rest of the cast.One could argue that the film is skewered too much in favour of Ferris's viewpoint and indeed the criminal lifestyle and modus-operandi altogether with the police and prison officials invariably shown as corrupt, barbaric and above the law they supposedly serve. Nevertheless the story, though hindered by the intrusive insertions of flashbacks to young Paul, in a failed attempt to demonstrate the child being father to the man, has a kinetic energy which keeps you watching until the bitter end.Not an easy watch or even a great watch, but otherwise a good attempt at a contemporary true-crime story.

MattyGibbs The Wee Man is the true story of a Scottish gangster. It's a story told a million times before and there are no surprises in the script. I had no idea who the subject was and to be honest this film probably works better if you don't know it's a true story. Notwithstanding the overdone subject matter I found this to be an absorbing and entertaining film. This is in no small part due to a superb cast. Martin Compston is an actor I like and he is excellent in the lead role here. With top rate actors in support like John Hannah and Denis Lawson, The Wee Man was always going to be a cut above the normal British gangster film. It's fairly violent but not excessively so and the script is sharp with no time filling scenes. My main gripe with the film was that the gangster is maybe dealt with a bit too sympathetically. If you are looking for a decent gangster film then this is well worth watching.

artrouble21 A brilliant movie, beautiful to watch in it's way, a damn near perfect film in it's true to life portrayal of the Glaswegian underworld. The American gangster movie is highly lauded but this film resets the genre to a different place and a more recent period, and this time it is the real McCoy not some Hollywood fiction with over blown "action" and set piece fictional events. This is set in the real world of a broken city. Not much to say other than worth your time. Yes in places the local accent will be a slight challenge for some but this movie delivers both in storytelling and cinematography. The compelling performance of Martin Compston as Paul Ferris is an eyeful, an actor to watch but in truth an all round great cast. Director Ray Burdis has elevated a hackneyed genre to an unexpected level. I think I'll watch it again.

martinrobertson300482 A film about infamous Glasgow gangster Paul Ferris, has long been in the pipeline. I remember hearing rumours off Robert Carlyle playing the part many years ago, and that would off been awesome! Now they've finally got round too making this controversial offering, you'd be hard pushed too find anyone better in the role than the largely unknown Martin Compston. Who does a great job here. Problem is a lot off the rest off the stars seem completely miscast in their roles, and a lot off this 80's/90's set story has clearly been filmed in the present day, with not much effort into making it look like otherwise.There's no doubt that there is a great story here, and I did enjoy the movie because off its complicated, based-on-true-events style plot. But for a film in development for so long, you'd think there would be more success in other parts off its production.John Hannah is only in the movie so people who are only interested in well known actors may watch it. Same with Patrick Bergin, Who doesn't pull off a Scottish accent. Its hard too know how much off the story is true as well, what with it being told from the perspective off Ferris (and being based on his book) with the parts that try too make him look as innocent as possible/try to make you sympathise with him falling flat, when you know a lot off the bad things that happened in the real life events that encouraged this movie, have been conveniently cut out.