“Wild Rose” (M) *** and a half

FROM Scotland comes a film about self-discovery, determination and musical talent, set in Glasgow with a brief excursion to Nashville, Tennessee, which claims to be the country music capital of the universe – haven’t those Yanks ever heard of Tamworth?

Nicole Taylor’s screenplay gives director Tom Harper an interesting challenge – making the audience feel compassion and concern for a young woman whose selfishness is hard to like.

Rose has a passion for singing country and an ambition to perform at Nashville. She’s been an unruly child, bearing two children in her teens, giving her mother (Julie Walters) a hard time.

“Wild Rose” hoists Jessie Buckley from a modest career in TV series to what will likely lead to stardom if the right people offer her work. Her singing voice is pure and clear. Her projection of Rose brooks no obstacles, despite an order requiring her to wear an ankle bracelet after release from prison.

The film lets Rose pursue an unexciting career as a cleaning woman before striking a friendship with Susannah (Sophie Okonedo) that ultimately sets her on the way to Nashville. And self-discovery, which some may consider predictable.

The music is enjoyable. The Scottish articulation of the English language is often difficult. But overall, “Wild Rose” is an enjoyable telling of a story that always merits telling provided the tellers get it right. Which, in this case, is how it pans out.

At Dendy, Palace Electric, Capitol 6