Watch The Wee Man

The Wee Man is a biographical crime drama film based on the story of Scottish criminal Paul Ferris directed by Ray Burdis. The film takes the audience through the life of Ferris, who started as a young boy in the 1960s and went on to become a feared and respected figure in Glasgow's underground criminal world during the 1980s. The film starts with the young Paul Ferris getting into trouble at school and being bullied by a gang of local toughs. His father is an abusive alcoholic who often beats his wife and children, and Paul finds solace in his grandfather's company, who shares his love for boxing.

As Paul grows up, he becomes acquainted with a hard-hitting local gangster, Arthur Thompson (played by Patrick Bergin), who takes him under his wing and introduces him to the criminal underworld. Paul soon becomes a trusted member of Arthur's crew, running errands and performing dangerous tasks. The film takes its time charting Paul's rise through the ranks and the many criminal enterprises he becomes involved in, from robbery to drug dealing and protection rackets.

The Wee Man is a brutal film that doesn't hold back on the violence, with numerous scenes of people being beaten, stabbed, and shot. However, it's not all about the crime and violence, as there are some touching moments that explore Paul's personal life. The relationship between Paul and his wife, Jean (played by Christina Andrew), is particularly well done, and we see the strain that Paul's criminal lifestyle puts on their relationship.

One of the standout performances in the film comes from Martin Compston, who plays the young Paul Ferris. He fully embodies the character and manages to portray the tough exterior of Paul, while also showing his vulnerable side. He is a force to be reckoned with on the screen and holds his own against the more experienced actors in the cast.

Patrick Bergin is perfectly cast as Arthur Thompson, the charismatic and ruthless gangster who takes Paul under his wing. Bergin brings a sense of gravitas to the role and manages to imbue Arthur with a sense of danger that makes him a compelling presence on the screen.

The cinematography in The Wee Man is excellent, with some stunning shots of Glasgow's streets and the surrounding countryside. The film captures the gritty, unpleasant reality of Glasgow's criminal underworld and never shies away from the violence and desperation that underpins it.

The Wee Man is a powerful film that tells a fascinating story about a man who rose from humble beginnings to become one of Glasgow's most infamous criminals. It's a testament to the strength of the performances and the quality of the filmmaking that the movie manages to be both deeply unsettling and genuinely moving in equal measure. The Wee Man is not a film for the faint of heart, but it's certainly worth watching if you're a fan of gritty crime dramas.

The Wee Man is a 2013 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.