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Papa review – Hong Kong drama about grieving father is a ghoulish waste

Papa review – Hong Kong drama about grieving father is a ghoulish waste

The Guardian02-03-2025
There's the skeleton of something really intriguing in this Cantonese-language Hong Kong drama about a father (Sean Lau) wrestling with survivor's guilt and grief after the murder of his wife and young daughter at the hands of his mentally ill teenage son. There's a powerful early scene set on the morning immediately after the tragedy when Yuen, unsure what else to do, goes to work as usual and is met by the stricken, anguished stares of his friends and neighbours. It's an elegantly staged and genuinely uncomfortable moment. But then the promise of the film is soon buried beneath layers of flabby backstory and numerous unwieldy flashbacks. And the film turns from being a psychologically astute account of dealing with the aftermath of unimaginable trauma to a ghoulish countdown to the attack itself. A wasted opportunity.
In UK and Irish cinemas
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Derry Girls fans only just discovering who Saoirse-Monica Jackson's famous mother-in-law is
Derry Girls fans only just discovering who Saoirse-Monica Jackson's famous mother-in-law is

Daily Record

timean hour ago

  • Daily Record

Derry Girls fans only just discovering who Saoirse-Monica Jackson's famous mother-in-law is

Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Scots DJ Denis Sulta tied the knot recently in a super stylish three-day extravaganza. It was a joining of two modern day Celtic legends when Scots DJ Denis Sulta married Derry Girls star Saoirse-Monica Jackson recently. The loved up pair said 'I Do' at an achingly hip three-day Irish extravaganza just outside Kenmare in Co Kerry last week. ‌ The ceremony was hailed as 'iconic' by fans of the super stylish couple and included more than a few nods to Scotland. It featured a host of Irish music, an Irish storyteller, Guinness on tap, as well as tributes to Denis' own heritage, including his on point, traditional kilt with a Hebridean MacKenzie tartan, made by Glasgow firm MacGregor and MacDuff. ‌ His outfit featured a custom-made Montrose doublet jacket, topped off with his dad's own sporran and a family brooch. 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The genes. The genes." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

BBC comedian died penniless with body unclaimed for weeks after tragic death
BBC comedian died penniless with body unclaimed for weeks after tragic death

Daily Mirror

time2 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

BBC comedian died penniless with body unclaimed for weeks after tragic death

Roy Jay was a British-Norwegian comedian who was a regular on TV screens in the 1980s, but his life took a tragic turn after he was charged with indecent exposure in 1984 A legendary 80s comic passed away penniless with his remains left unclaimed for weeks in a heartbreaking turn of events. ‌ Roy Jay was renowned for his prominent BBC slots, featuring on television shows including The Bob Monkhouse Show, The Little and Large Show and The Main Attraction during the peak of his career. ‌ However, the British-Norwegian performer endured a devastating conclusion to his life. Troubles began after he faced charges for indecent exposure in 1984, when he pulled down his trousers during a live performance before a family crowd at the Park Club in Jersey. ‌ Baby Reindeer star unrecognisable in new BBC drama featuring Coronation Street actor He received a £200 fine - but more damaging still, his reputation suffered a massive hit. Roy discovered himself barred from countless venues nationwide even prior to the indecent exposure conviction. Yet it proved the death knell for his television career. Whilst he succeeded in continuing his stand-up work in his final years, his TV appearances vanished. Ultimately the performer died in Alicante, Spain, in December 2007 aged 59, completely broke. His remains laid unclaimed for a fortnight. His death was reportedly due to alcohol abuse. His funeral, conducted at Villajoyosa Crematorium, required funding from a local Spanish entrepreneur who was also Roy's dear friend. Roy remains fondly recalled for his television appearances and his subsequent work at a Benidorm venue. One admirer commented following his death: "Terrible news about Roy. I never did see him but will remember with fondness his TV work back in the day. RIP Mr Slither." Another fan reminisced: "I did see him in Benidorm in the late 1980s at the Talk of the Coast, which is now the Ambassador Playa. I remember the place was packed and everyone was having a great laugh." A third person agreed: "A very talented but tormented guy who is all but forgotten today." ‌ Roy had an interesting start in life, with conflicting reports about his childhood. According to one version, he was born as Roy Jørgensen in Oslo, Norway, to a Norwegian father and a Scottish/Irish mother. At the tender age of four, he moved with his family to South Wales. When he was eight, he spent a year in Cork, Ireland, honing his skills in Irish language and violin, before returning to Wales. The family then relocated to Atherton in Greater Manchester, England, where he attended Hesketh Fletcher High School. At 15, he joined the Royal Norwegian Navy, but later returned to civilian life to sing in a band performing in small Northern clubs and dance halls. He then became Assistant Entertainments Manager at Pontins holiday camp in Southport, where he began his stand-up comedy career. However, another account suggests that Roy Jay was actually born in Uffculme, Devon. In this version, he worked for Pontins in Morecambe during the 1970s and performed as a comedian in Northern clubs, before being a special guest on the 1983 UK tour by Johnny Mathis.

Teen Nazi who wanted to livestream mass murder at Scots mosque jailed
Teen Nazi who wanted to livestream mass murder at Scots mosque jailed

The Herald Scotland

time5 hours ago

  • The Herald Scotland

Teen Nazi who wanted to livestream mass murder at Scots mosque jailed

The youngster spoke online about how white people were at "war" and that he would "die for my land." The boy had planned an attack at the Inverclyde Muslim Centre which included duping the Imam into believing that he wanted to join. He effectively carried out a recce of the building having been trusted enough to be left alone at times allowing him to make sketches and videos of the layout. The teenager also went as far as to join in with prayers in a bid to convince others of his bid to convert to being a Muslim. But, fortunately, his sick plans were halted when police discovered the boy armed and potentially dangerous outside the centre. The gun that was found on the boy (Image: COPFS) This included an airgun which he claimed would keep worshippers inside once he had set the building on fire. The boy - who cannot be named due to his age - was today sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow. The teenager had pled guilty last month to acting with the intention of committing acts of terrorism. He also admitted to a further charge under the Terrorism Act. They spanned between November 2024 and January 2025. Sentencing, Lord Arthurson: "What you had in mind can properly be categorised as a quite diabolical atrocity involving extreme violence and multiple deaths. "You even requested that your attack be live-streamed. your conduct was only stopped by your arrest when you were, quite literally, at the door of the centre." The judge cut the term from 17 years due to factors such as the early guilty and the boy's age. The teenager will also be monitored for eight years on his eventual release. The court heard how the boy - who suffers from autism - had been influenced by what he read online from the age of 13. He believed that white people were in a "war" against other races such as Jews and he "developed sympathies" with the Nazi party. The boy created his own "manifesto" on his mobile phone in which he said he would "die for my land." Read More He listed a number of "inspirations" which included Brevik, Hitler, Benito Mussolini and Irish fascist leader Eoin O'Duffy. The boy also created a list of dislikes which included Keir Starmer, the prophet Mohammed and Jihadi John. The boy initially had plans to carry out a terrorist attack at his school in Inverclyde. He recorded himself walking through the school in which he stated he planned to "liquidate" one of the offices. The boy also claimed that he would plant bombs under the tables of the school canteen. He said: "That'll be funny, watch some reactions, that'll be hilarious." The boy planned to attack the Inverclyde Muslim Centre in December 2024. Prosecutor Greg Farrell said: "This involved the use of aerosols and lighters to set fire to the premises." The boy spoke to the centre's Imam online and was later provided with reading materials. Mr Farrell added: "The boy went as far as to take part in prayer with the congregation of the Islamic Centre. "He was trusted to be left alone in the centre and he took several videos wandering the corridors of the building. "In one video, he enters a room and his own hand enters the shot, shaped like a gun." The boy then began searching images of the centre online as well as weapons and combat clothing. He went on to speak to an acquaintance on chatting application Telegram. The boy said: "It's good to infiltrate the target be it a mosque or synagogue as they think I'm one of them because I infiltrated the place." He claimed that he could have burned down the centre when left alone but there would have been "zero kills." Mr Farrell said: "He told the user he would use a deodorant can and a lighter to start a fire and he had a BB gun that people would believe was a real firearm. "He also said he would use it to prevent them leaving the building." The boy also asked the acquaintance to live stream the burning down of the mosque which would be shared with his manifesto. He meantime tried to get a rifle licence but was unable to as his local club was closed at the time. The boy prepared a "final" manifesto in which he stated he would attack "tomorrow" when "the mosque will be at its fullest." On the morning of the planned attack, the boy left his home with a rucksack which concerned his mother. He messaged friends, stating: "Today, I choose what my life was and will be." The boy appeared at the Islamic Centre but was unable to enter as the door was locked. Earlier that morning, the police had received intelligence regarding the boy and waited on him at the Islamic Centre. He was found by officers to be dressed in black clothing and he carried a camouflage military rucksack. When asked what was in the bag, the boy replied: "Guns, I'll tell you what's in the bag so you don't get hurt. I don't want to hurt you." A German manufactured air pistol - capable of firing BBs - was recovered as well as a magazine which was suitable for the gun. He was also snared with ball bearings, gas cartridges, four cans of aerosol spray and his mobile phone. The boy was further found to have notepads which contained sketches and right wing symbols such as swastikas. A search of his home recovered a copy of Hitler's book Mein Kampf, a copy of the Quran, knives, airsoft weapons and ingredients for explosive substances. A book, named 'The Anarchist Cookbook' was also found which was an instruction manual on how to produce weapons and explosives. It emerged today that the teenager "continues to describe himself as a Nazi". The court heard that the teen was "socially isolated" and had formed his entrenched views from what he had seen and heard online. Tony Lenehan KC, defending, today/yesterday said this eventually led to him "trying to make himself significant". The advocate added: "The transition for anyone into adulthood is complicated and confusing enough with the benefit of positive role models. "He did not have a stable home life - this no doubt contributed to his sense of isolation and allowed these internet voices to play a more important part in his development than they should." Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston, of Police Scotland, said: 'I want to pay tribute to the local officers who took swift action to protect the public and apprehended the youth, as the potential consequences of his actions could have been extremely serious and had a profound effect on the local community. 'This was a fast moving and complicated inquiry and officers carried out a diligent and thorough investigation to gather the evidence and brought him to court, which will now see him face the consequences of his intentions. 'Keeping our communities safe from acts of terrorism remains a priority for Police Scotland and its officers. I also want to express my gratitude to the partners who worked with us during this inquiry to ensure the achievement of this objective is realised. 'Anyone who has concerns about potential terrorist activity is urged to contact Police Scotland, and there is confidential advice available at the ACT Early Counter Terrorism Policing website."

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