Seachd: The Inaccessible Pinnacle (2007)

User Rating:

6.5/10   

Director:

Simon Miller

Writers:

Joanne Cockwell (writer)
Iain Finlay MacLeod (writer)

Release Date:

5 October 2007 (UK)

Genre:

Drama | Family

Plot:

Làn fhìrinn na sgeòil. The truth is in the story. When a young man, Angus, visits his dying Grandfather...

Awards:

3 nominations

Cast

Aonghas Padruig Caimbeul	...	Seanair
Padruig Moireasdan	...	Aonhgas - aged 7
Crisdean Domhnallach	...	Donnchadh - aged 9
Winnie Brook Young	...	Mairi - age 11
Dolina MacLennan	...	Grandmother
Coll Domhnallach	...	Aonghas - age 20
Daibhidh Walker	...	Eardsaidh
Aonghas MacDhomhnaill	...	Am Mac Bu Shine
Annie NicLeoid	...	Ciara Gunnach
Martainn Mac an t-Saoir	...	Athair Ciara
Toby Robertson	...	An Diuc
Scott Handy	...	Patrick Loch
Vidal Sancho	...	Spainnteach
Iain MacRae	...	Domhnallach
Calum MacFhionghain	...	An Draoidh

Also Known As:

Seachd: The Crimson Snowdrop (USA) (alternative transliteration)

Runtime:

UK:100 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English | Scottish Gaelic | Spanish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Filming Locations:

Eilean Iarmain, Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK

Company:

Young Films

Trivia:

Aonghas Padraig Caimbeul is also a noted Gaelic novelist, whose work has brought him critical claim from outwith the Gaelic speaking community.

Movie Connections:

References Local Hero (1983)

Being in Gaelic doesn't make it a great film

There are marvels in Seachd, particularly in the scenery. It's even a little bit enchanting - the old man is an intriguing character and a couple of the fairy tales are interesting enough. But that's where it runs out, really. This is a collection of fairy tales, and mostly they're too childish for an adult audience. The child protagonist is unengaging, and there's not enough plot or characterisation to make a whole film.

I love to see films about places like Skye, and about the social reality of an isolated community with a living but marginalised language. But this isn't enough, and I came away wondering if had the film had been in English, would we ever have heard about it? I guess it's of interest if you're into Gaelic culture or are learning the language. It is a startling backdrop - about 4 of my 6 points are for the scenery alone. That only leaves 2 for plot, characters and everything else - with some regret I say think twice before spending your time watching Seachd.