The Secret of Roan Inish (1995)

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 Amazon.com essential video

A Sea Tale With A Twist

This is an ageless mystery in the setting of the hauntingly stark, yet beautiful costal islands surrounded by mist. It is a story of loss, defeat and in a most amazing way, a family is drawn to the mist once more.
The music and photography are truly beautiful and the songs will stay in your heart! Anyone can view this movie and enjoy the story. June 24, 2008

An endearing movie

I have never been to Ireland. My grandfather lived on the East Coast of Ireland prior to emigrating to Boston. I can just imagine him pushing his boat into the water and fishing for himself and his family. They may have relied on the sea for their survival as did the family in this movie. Moving off their island to survive was more than an emotional hardship. The wishing to return to their island, their home, was not just a dream anymore. Home meant their own island, their family, their livelihood as before. There is no place like home and this movie captures that. June 22, 2008

wonderful

This is a wonferful,sweet movie.It shows a life that i wish i could live. Now a days no one wants to take their time and belive in some thing that is a bit questionable.Take time, watch the movie and pretend it's real. June 19, 2008

Nice Irish movie

A nice Irish movie with great landscape views and a wonderful story about a sea creature. I liked the down-home work ethic but found the ending a little confusing. June 9, 2008

Roan Inish

This was a very interesting, different movie. My husband and I watched it together and we both liked it. We'd been to Ireland and a friend had recommended it to us. We didn't know any of the actors or actresses but it was just a very enjoyable movie. June 6, 2008

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