Scotland Movie/TV challenge

As part of preparing for my trip to Scotland, I’m reading, watching and learning about Scotland. I’m working on my TV/Movie challenge list.

I watched Braveheart when it came out. At the time it didn’t occur to me that having an Australian taking the main role was  bad, but now I see how insulting that is, almost as bad as asian characters portrayed by white actors. (Also, Mel Gibson… yeah.) Many historical dramas have taken extreme liberties with not just the events, but with the clothing, technology, location, language and culture. I found out Outlander filmed all their American scenes in Scotland and it made me giggle, even though I think the show works hard at being authentic.  I think current filmmakers are aware of accuracy and attempt to make historical shows as realistic as possible. My friend was an extra on the Gilded Age and mentioned that the men in the background had to hide their wedding rings because they were not worn in that time period (most viewers would not even know that). 

I have started watching Outlander. I ‘d been avoiding it because the books by Diana Gabeldon are massive doorstops, I am not really interested in historical fiction or romance, and I thought it was an American production. I have watched the first seven episodes (on Netflix). Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ, as Claire says. I am enjoying it despite the sex and violence and the utter horror of being dropped into history with no way home. It will take me a while to finish because I am only watching during my morning exercise. 

I am searching for other movies or shows to watch, let me know if you have suggestions not on the list. Many lists lump everything in as “British “.  It keeps recommending “Trainspotting”, which I started but paused early on in the movie. Maybe I’ will go back to it.

TV/movie challenge list:

• Outlander
• Not Another Happy Ending
• Sunshine On Leith
• Outlaw King
• Stone of Destiny
• Rob Roy
• Mary Queen of Scots
• Monarch of the Glen
• Rebus
• Whisky Galore
• Miriam and Alan Lost in Scotland (I haven’t found a way to watch this yet)

I’d love to find some great comedies or sci-fi/fantasy.