Island (I) (2011) User Reviews

Bleak and highly recommended.

[parry_na · 7/10 · 30 October 2020]

It's very difficult to see a film these days without being bombarded with spoilers. Well, I'm giving nothing away here, other than to say that it's based on Jane Rogers' acclaimed novel of the same name and is highly recommended viewing.

The story is told slowly and is not just drenched in atmosphere but positively dripping with it. Bleak, blustery and poignant, there are four main players - Natalie Press and Nikki Black, Colin Morgan as Calum, Janet McTeer as Phyllis and the titular island itself. Rolling and rocky, dotted with Calum's dens festooned with items he's collected ("You're like a magpie," Nikki says at one point). It is beautifully filmed but bitingly cold to look at.

Phyllis' home may be more heated, but there is little warmth there; secrets, isolation and fearsome independence despite a gloomy future. The friendship that grows between Calum and Nikki is steady charming - but can it survive? The stories that they share betray a real connection, and her illustrations take on a new poignancy during the end credits - look out for them.

Be prepared for a slow-burner, but one that draws you in and keeps you there until the story decides to end leaving you to wonder ... what next? My score is 7 out of 10.

Very special and very beautiful film.

[inna-h · 10/10 · 27 July 2012]

The beauty of this film is so special, rare and silent that it can sometimes be unexpected for some viewers. But you should just let in your soul the magic and silence of the island, fairy stories, the salty cold wind from the ocean. As shown by facts, often the most profound and beautiful films remain largely unknown, which is very regrettable. This film is made with great love and it can be felt throughout. Wonderful music and graphics perfectly complement a fascinating impression. The film has so many sounds of nature - wind, birds, sea - all this gives you an absolute illusion of your presence on the island near to heroes of the film. Of course, the soul of this island, this little world, wrapped in mists, is Calum. He is naive, his soul is pure and rich with marvelous treasures, stories and myths. There are thousands of priceless details, gestures, facial expressions, intonations in his voice, with which Colin Morgan very carefully, very gently and really brilliantly creates the character of Calum. One of the most pleasant impressions of the film for me is Calum's acсent! It was easy for me to understand all of what he said, because I read the book before watching the movie . Acting skills by Natalie Press is truly impressive. Nervous, tense, desperate voice of Nicky conveys all of her emotions. She is like tense violin string ready to tear at any second. I really want to say more, but my poor English does not allow me to do it.

Not at all mainstream :)

[SilkyWilky · 9/10 · 17 December 2012]

Raw, awkward, unglamorous, dark, sensitive, atmospheric, poetic, sublimely emotional - I'm sure there's many who will dislike this film, I loved it.

Pay attention from the very start, and settle into 90 minutes of absorbing visuals and sounds as this story weaves its path between fairy tale, innocence and stark interactions.

The three main actors put in great performances, their characters are real people - no generic playing themselves in costume here. Calum is the Island incarnate with his beachcomber treasures and tales, an intimate connection with his environment although in a bubble from the rest of the world. His mother Phyllis is crone like, tired, troubled and protective both of her son and of what she holds inside. Niki is on a mission she describes at the beginning. Her internal discomfort is evident from when she first appears, then lands on the Island to pursue her destiny, a driven catalyst to break the stony status quo.

The scenery is stunning and the sets perfect, the filming capturing everything really well. There is the one scene near the end with boat and water that I thought was erm... rough! The scene at the end worked so well, despite it being challenging, it felt so right. Difficult to say more without spoiling! Its not bubblegum - enjoy!

Terrible sad!

[dochito · 10/10 · 19 January 2020]

So well written, the sad story of a woman searching for answers and revenge. I didn't expect that end, was waiting for something more happy, but that was not the case. Awesome cast. Very recommended!