The Secret of Roan Inish

Starring:Jeni Courtney, Pat Slowey, Dave Duffy, Declan Hannigan, MairÃ©ad NÃ GhallchÃ³ir, Eugene McHugh, Tony Rubini, Mick Lally, Eileen Colgan, Richard Sheridan, Micheal MacCarthaigh, Fergal McElherron, Brendan Conroy, John Lynch, Frankie McCafferty, Gerald Rooney, Susan Lynch, Suzanne Gallagher, Cillian Byrne, Linda Greer
Director: John Sayles
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com essential video
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.

Amazon.com essential video

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

Customer Reviews:

A very nice movie for family.......2007-06-08

We meet a precious young girl whose mother has unfortunately passed away at an early age. Another tragedy strikes when her younger brother, who is still a baby, disappears out to sea and is presumably drowned. And her father, upset at some of the difficulties that he has faced, elects to send the young girl, Fiona, to live with her grandparents.

The grandparents live in a rented small stone and thatched roof hut near the sea. The grandfather is a bright eyed, bearded, jolly and hopeful old man who tells Fiona stories of her ancestors and hints at the legend of the selkies, who are half human, half seal.

They are magical creatures that shed their seal skin and become human. Mysteriously, there is a dark haired, and dark eyed child in every generation of the girl's family and young Fiona begins to believe that this is somehow related to the legends that she has heard about the selkies.

Her relationship with her grandparents is temporarily disturbed when they face eviction so more upscale renters can move into their tiny home. And Fiona also angers and saddens her grandparents by claiming to dream about her disappeared younger brother.

Despite the problems that the family seems to face, the conclusion seems as satisfying as it can be.

It is refreshing to see a movie unveil a mystery and keep the viewers interest without resorting to shallow scenes of violence. Instead, the interest is held with intrigue, folklore, and the strength of family and tradition.

I won't spoil how the secret is unveiled or what happens. You would be better off seeing it unfold on screen.

I would hate to use the overused phrases such as "heart warming," "inspiring," "elevating," but that is what this movie is. You'll feel touched when you watch this movie. It's an excellent choice to sit down with your family and enjoy.

Enchanting.......2007-06-04

I know this film is marketed for children, but as an adult who watched it for the first time last night; I will be purchasing it and watching it again and again. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a film so much.

When a little Irish girl named Fiona moves to the country to be with her grandparents she learns tales about her family and their island, Roan Inish. The Island is now deserted, except when Fiona visits there; she finds that may not be true. The secrets of Roan Inish are kept by the seals and the selkies that swim around in its waters.

Fiona learns about the selkies as part of an explanation as to why one 'dark one' (dark hair and eyes) appear in every generation of her family. Selkies are seals that can shed there skin and become human. They can roam the earth and live and love like normal people, however, they always long for the sea. If a selkie finds their skin, they will always return to the sea.

This movie isn't only about the seals and selkies, it's also about families and traditions, homes and histories, about finding lost loved ones and discovering new ones. Everything about this movie is wonderful; the scenery is breathtaking, the actors are amazing, the story imaginative and brilliant. This is a fanciful tale told in a factual manner, making it so real and tangible. After watching this movie, you will never see another seal without looking in its eyes wondering if it is a selkie. Children and adults will enjoy this tale that blends fantasy and reality so effortlessly.

A Most Beautiful Film.......2007-03-10

This is a visually lovely, well acted, heartwarming, whimsical movie. We all loved it- my husband and I, my teenage daughter and our six year old daughters. There's a tinge of sadness, as the little girl's mother is dead and her father doesn't take good care of her, so she goes to live with her grandparents. There isn't a lot of action. It's a quiet movie, not huge special effects or big action scenes. It has a dreamy quality. Also, the Irish accents are such a pleasure to hear!

Unpretentious jewel.......2007-02-07

A simple film full of nuanced acting. Have loved this film since first viewing it because of its direct and heartfelt story lines. Without the violence present in so many current films, The Secret of Roan Inish captures the essence of isolation and family ties and the joys of reuniting. For those who love films like Babette's Feast, I would definitely recommend this film.

Great kid's movie even if you're an adult.......2007-01-14

"The Secret of Roan Inish," is a wonderful children's movie that adults will love. It is centered on the Irish folklore of Selkies, people who can transform themselves into seals. The movie is about Fiona, a girl who is sent to live with her grandparents near the island of Roan Inish, where the Selkies are rumored to reside. The movie is magical and should be watched twice to best understand it.

Charlie Rose with Mario Van Peebles & Melvin Van Peebles; Ellen Barkin; John Sayles (March 15, 1995)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Mario Van Peebles & Melvin Van Peebles; Ellen Barkin; John Sayles (March 15, 1995)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

First, director Mario Van Peebles and his father, screenwriter Melvin Van Peebles, discuss making the movie, Black Panthers. Then, actress Ellen Barkin talks about her new film, Bad Company, co-starring Lawrence Fishburne. Finally, a discussion with actor and director John Sayles about his film The Secret of Roan Inish.

Charlie Rose with Cynthia McFadden; Ariel Sharon; John Sayles (February 17, 1995)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Cynthia McFadden; Ariel Sharon; John Sayles (February 17, 1995)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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