Deseret News | Movie review: Secret of Roan Inish, The

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Secret of Roan Inish, The

Cindy Perry | 12:49 p.m. Feb. 22, 1999

I have spent a number of summers in County Donegal. It was the perfect location for this film. Ireland is rich in tradition and folk lore which makes it a believable place for The Secret of Roan Inish be be located. I loved revisiting parts of Ireland through this film.

Marc | 12:34 p.m. June 14, 1999

Good movie and all. A little drab. But it had to take
guts to do what the actor for Jamie did toward the end.
Full nudity and all

Rosemary O'Day | 6:59 p.m. Aug. 29, 1999

Roan Inish is my favorite movie! It is splendidly
photagraphed and the music is awesome! I love the story and
the landscape.

Comments continue below

Cindy | 5:48 a.m. Nov. 5, 1999

It was alright. I am not of Irish decent which made it a
little difficult to understand their ways, however, it was
a nice film.

kristina | 9:21 p.m. Nov. 27, 1999

i loved that movie it was cool man it just touched my heart
about how such a young girl had so much potential.

Annette | 2:31 a.m. Dec. 23, 1999

I saw it with Maryanne at Cremorne and we both thought it
was wonderful. Awsome landscape. Strange story though!

Kal-el | 2:12 a.m. March 7, 2000

I thought this movie really showed nothing more than the
fact that John Sayles has never been a very good director.
The dialogue was cliche ridden, "superstitious old man",
"like cows with wings...like cows with wings." Give me a
break. I walked out of it.

G. Giles | 2:27 p.m. March 19, 2000

My daughter and I enjoyed this excellent film, which we saw
on video. We knew of the Selkie before seeing it, and we
found the resolution satisfying. The understated acting was
a pleasure to watch, as was the girl's conviction in the
truth of her senses, both the usual five and others. Moving
and charismatic. Highly recomme

Kathleen | 7:00 p.m. March 20, 2000

Beautiful scenery and music. It was wonderful to see
children so industrious to put the old cottages back in
shape. My husband has now watched it three or four times. I
think he's pondering taking the next flight to Ireland!
He's never been there but I have and it is all second
nature to me. We loved this film.

Kelleigh | 2:03 p.m. April 3, 2000

This little film has a big heart and true to many celtic
traditions. If you are interested in celtic culture and
particularly Irish culture, this film will be refreshing.
It's a nice reprieve from the violent and meaningless films
that are so often made these days. Enjoy the sights,
sounds, and stories. There is something for everyone.

Maureen Day | 8:32 a.m. April 10, 2000

This is my favorite movie of all time. I love this movie and can see it again and again. My grandfather John Feeney believe a lot of the folk tales such as this. Just makes ya want tolive by the sea, in Ireland, of course.

jerry mosley | 6:46 a.m. May 15, 2000

great I am wondering if this film is based on the history
of
Colonsay, Scotland. It sounds as if it is about the early
families , McHalffeys, McFees, etc. Any information would
be
appreciated.

Janice | 6:18 p.m. May 20, 2000

Beautiful is story, scenery, and myth!! A must see!!

Imogene | 1:31 a.m. May 28, 2000

Very enchanting. A 'must see' film!

Katrina | 5:07 p.m. June 5, 2000

I love the movie. It truely shows the myths and history of
Ireland. Its one of the best Irish oreinted movie i have
seen yet!! :)

Malcolm | 8:39 p.m. June 16, 2000

Marc is right. It's not often a movie studio can find a
little child willing to get in front of a camera and
strangers and fully expose themself. I have kids and they
make a fuss at the doctor. This must be a child who loves
performing for him to expose his penis to a movie camera
that people will no doubt see. Most movies have trouble
even show nipples or buttocks on a male child and so does
the child. Good actor. Lots of adults wouldn't have taken
the role.

Jules Ruby | 5:39 a.m. June 19, 2000

I enjoyed this movie immensely. Everything about this movie
was done to perfection, characters, plot, imagrey and
everything else that goes with a great film. I would go as
far to say that this is the best thing that I have ever
seen??? As I do spend a lot of time at the movies and in
front of the T.V(it goes without saying I'm a student).

dennis killeen | 11:12 p.m. July 7, 2000

Pure Magic...what island was it filmed on

Lindsay | 8:37 p.m. Aug. 10, 2000

Very possibly one of the best movies I've ever seen. But
maybe that's just because I'm an Ireland fanatic. The
islands, the characters, the seals...it's all so
facinating. "'Twas like a dream, that [film]" and that's
the pure truth of it.

Masaru Kobayashi | 5:24 p.m. Oct. 6, 2000

I wish to enjoy this movie again.
How to get the Video or Laser Disc?
Any suggestion?

Lucy Rutherford | 11:22 p.m. Nov. 9, 2000

LOVED IT!!!!!
ALL THEY WAY IT DESERVES 6433 STARS!

Glenda | 8:57 a.m. Dec. 27, 2000

Before I review: Please is there a REAL Roan Inish? Can't
find it on map. Thank you. Roan Inish is and may always
be one of my favorite movies. I felt as if I were
transported to the Seas of Ireland and a real kinship to
the Silkie herself. A tremendous movie, a wonderful
experience.

Pam | 7:54 p.m. March 24, 2001

I love the way this story was told and appreciate the kind
of film everyone in the family can enjoy. I'm going to
check out the other movies by Mr. John Sayles

Mary Ellen | 8:24 p.m. Aug. 5, 2001

A wonderful movie for the whole family to enjoy.

Mario Scarpanti | 2:19 a.m. Aug. 20, 2001

La nostra civiltï¿½ avrebbe gran bisogno di fantasia.
Cominciamo con lapprezzare storie come questa.

Melanie Henry | 10:08 p.m. Aug. 24, 2001

This film is a wonderful film! This is one of those that,
when watched a second, third, fourth(etc.)time, will seem
to explain the story in a more understandable fashion; one
must watch & listen closely to follow the story because
there is much past/present reference and the Irish accent
is thick, but beautiful. This is a "feel-good" movie that
makes your insides want to move & dance with the
traditional Irish tunes throughout the movie! This is my
favorite movie & I'd recommend it to anyone who appreciates
folklore, especially Irish legendry, and anybody who is
fond of anything Irish. I am not sure why it would be rated
as having any "violence", there's no reason I'd with hold
this movie from my child - at any age.

Todd | 11:35 a.m. Sept. 24, 2001

To answer a previous question, yes, there is a Roan Inish.
On my map of Ireland it's off the coast of Donegal but I
doubt it has much to do with the film as it is fictional
(or
is it?) My question is what is the English translation of
the galic phrase in the flashback told by the grandfather
and objected to by the grandmother? ("I don't have any
Irish").

As for the film - It is the best. I often see this refered
to a one of the best family films. I consider this almost
an insult. When was the last time you saw a film listed as
one of the best adult films? The Secret of Roan Inish is
one of the best films (period). The fact that it has no
sex
or violence should not put it in a separate category for
reviewers. I particularly like the way the story is told
as
a series of stories - quite appropriate considering the
strong literary tradition of Ireland.

Todd

favorite quote from the film (paraphrased)
"I can not see the future. I can see the past quite well,
and the present when the weather is clear"

David Callahan | 3:07 p.m. April 27, 2002

This is one of my all-time favorite films. It is a
wonderful story of one young woman's search for her past
and her brother, and of another's conflict between her love
for her husband and her longing for her real home in the
sea. The scenery is fantastic, and the movie is not bogged
down with a lot of heavy dialogue, but rather depends upon
the narrative, mystery, fantasy, and the interaction
between the characters. It's been way too long since I've
seen this movie, and I think I'll go rent it again, or buy
it, soon.

Margaret | 8:53 a.m. July 8, 2002

I sat down to watch the movie, not knowing what it was
about. I became completely wrapped up in the story. It is
wonderfully done. Each character is deep and sweet.
I will watch it again. I loved it.

Emily | 4:23 p.m. Aug. 26, 2002

This has been a favorite film of mine since it came out.
My mother, an indie film fanatic and a bit of an eccentric,
showed me the movie when I was eleven. It has remained a
favorite ever since. It drove me to go to ireland, the
magic was so alluring.

Casey | 4:37 a.m. Sept. 9, 2002

i had to watch it for my english class (im in year 8) and
my class and i watched it and loved it! AWESOME FILM! loved
it!

Arthur Kalis | 12:13 p.m. March 17, 2004

Dear People,
You must see this storybook movie. The richness of the
Irish and their forklore is poetically portrayed both
cinemagraphically and lyrically (Irish lilt). John Sayles
is a master at letting a story blossom before you. The
innocence of childhood blending with lore compells one to
wish upon themselves this life. I've been fortunate enough
to recognize the brilliance of this movie and I have
revisited it 4x's. This movie is a treat for all,
especially for families to share this experience.
God Bless----------Arthur

Francisco Azagra | 4:21 p.m. May 8, 2004

I would like to know, the name of the tunes when they are
(Fiona and her cousin) making the cleaning days in the
island.

thanks

I love them

fco.

Joseph Anderson | 6:27 p.m. June 28, 2004

What a fantastic movie! I've loved it since my
Grandmother took me to see it when I was about 14.
Unfortunately, most others I know who have seen it, don't
really appreciate it (I think they are looking for more
violence or flashy photography or some A-list heart-throb
instead of accepting the beauty for what it is.) My
favorite film of all time.

rosemary foust | 11:57 a.m. July 25, 2004

I just had the great pleasure to watch this wonderful
movie. How very beautiful it is, and to see the wonder and
beauty of Co. Donegal, was enchanting. I have always loved
Ireland and it's people, God Bless them each and everyone.

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Movie Info

Rated PG for violence.

Cast: Jeni Courtney, Eileen Colgan, Mick Lally, Richard Sheridan, John Lynch.

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