A GENTLE, CHARMING TALE OF A GIRL WHO IS SENT TO LIVE WITH HERGRANDPARENTS AND DISCOVERS THE MYTHS AND MAGIC THAT HAVEAFFECTED HER FAMILY.As one of the most respected American independent filmmakers, John Sayles has created a body of work as distinguished in its diversity as for its consistent quality and inspiring originality. He’s never been one to march to the commercial beat, but chooses instead to follow his creative impulse wherever it leads him. The Secret of Roan Inish led Sayles to the beautiful and moody West Coast of Ireland; it is a tale of a girl who discovers that her family has been touched by myth and magic throughout the years. Following the death of her mother, young Fiona (Jeni Courtney) is sent to live with her grandparents on the Irish coast across from Roan Inish, the island where her family once lived. She’s told stories about the selkies–seals that can turn into humans–who have been connected with Fiona’s family over the ages. At first she’s not sure if the selkies are real or mythological, but she later realizes that they hold the key to reclaiming her family heritage.
What’s remarkable about this film (which Sayles adapted from Rosalie Fry’s novel Secret of the Ron Mor Skerry) is that it’s not told as a cute fantasy for children, but as a straightforward, unsentimental story of a young girl’s family history. That gives the film–which was beautifully photographed by master cinematographer Haskell Wexler–an understated charm that is completely absorbing in its atmosphere and subtle tone. There’s magic as well, to be sure–you could almost swear that the seals and seagulls in the film took direction from Sayles as well as any human actor! –Jeff Shannon
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May 17, 2008
#1
WHEN I SAW THE MOVIE, IT WAS HARD FOR ME TO FINISH WATCHING IT. I THOUGHT THE PLOT WAS SO BORING. I WOULD NOT SUGGEST THIS MOVIE TO ANYONE. I WATCHED THE MOVIE WITH MY FRIEND AND MY MOTHER AND WE ALL AGREED THAT IT WAS A VERY DUMB MOVIE. IT DOES NOT DESERVE EVEN ONE STAR.
May 17, 2008
#2
It maybe that I have to see this movie again, but I really did not like at least two messages that it sent; The seal turned wife/mother was there against her will, and she eventually left her children and husband.
May 17, 2008
#3
This film captures the essence of what it means to be an Irish fisherfolk. It could also be useful to one who is coping with the loss of a mother. Moreover, its yet one more example of how mysticism has contributed to keeping the Irish impoverished as well as enslaved to England for 800 years.
Given the potential of the Irish mind, its disheartening to think how so much talent has been wasted in favor of religious ignorance. I can buy that Fiona’s acceptance of mysticism is helpful in dealing with her loss. Its more the passing references to Christianity so deeply instilled in Irish culture that reminds us, once again, that its this festering ignorance that has kept us down for so long. On the other hand, when a civilization is endlessly oppressed, I suppose its difficult not to turn away from reason, or to never be given the chance to find reason in the first place.
Reviews of this movie are a bit overstated. It’s a good movie: the acting is good, the scenery beautiful, the story line interesting. But its not great in the sense that, at least for children, Kiki’s Delivery Service or Himalaya is great.
May 18, 2008
#4
At first I thought this movie moved a little slow. It was basically some chick wandering all over Ireland and doing stuff. I have scrubbed more interesting stuff off the inside of my microwave. But then a thought occurred to me. I was watching a film about Ireland, so why not drink like I was in Ireland. And laddie, that did the trick. Suddenly the movie became a lot funnier. If I shut one eye and stuck a penny up my nose I could make silly faces like the girl in the movie. Then my brother came in the room and asked me what was wrong with me so I gave him a bloody nose. It’s not good to antagonize a man full of whiskey. After the movie I threw up for three hours but I think that was mostly the booze.
May 18, 2008
#5
I gave this 3 stars because I thought this movie was going to be better than it was. It was slow-moving and there wasn’t much excitement. It is a rather strange movie.