The scenery of the coast of Ireland is breathtaking and director John Sayles makes good use of it. A little girl, Fiona, comes to live with her grandparents and learns of the legend of her ancestors and seals with mystical qualities. The film moves very slowly but the innocence and belief of Fiona in magic make the fairly tale atmosphere almost believable. Jeni Courtney is perfectly cast in the lead role and she effortlessly displays a natural ability to seem like a real ten year-old kid. Sayles lets her appear in virtually every scene of the movie and it is a wise choice. The sea and its creatures are the other major element and it all works to make The Secret Roan Inish worth a 7.5/10.
Review of The Secret of Roan Inish
