Hit by redundancy after more than 30 years in the same job, middle-aged dockworker Frank (Peter Mullan) is all at sea. Until, that is, he sets out to reclaim his dignity by swimming the English Channel. Think The Full Monty in Speedos and you've pretty much got the gist of this crowd-pleaser set in Glasgow. Though the story is filled with familiar strokes, sensitive direction and quality acting give it emotional depth.

The weakest link here is first-timer Alex Rose's screenplay, which flirts with gritty social commentary in the early reels but then surrenders to feel-good formulaics. Yet the writing's often pulled out of danger by helmer Gaby Dellal's delicate approach: the scene where Frank's inspired by a disabled lad trying to swim a length could have been as mawkish as a season of Robin Williams films, but instead holds water.

"THE SUPERB PETER MULLAN"

Alas, there's little that can be done about some of the ingratiating attempts at comedy. Particularly unamusing is Billy Boyd, who buzzes around the margins of the action like an irritating gnat. Luckily there's a superb centre in the form of Peter Mullan, who winningly conveys Frank's initial despondency and later determination. The hard graft he puts in reaps dividends when it comes to the big swim. With both our hero's pride and his relationship with estranged son Rob (Jamie Sives) at stake, the climax is a tidal wave of sentiment. But its impact is such that you may find yourself soaked in some salt water of your own.