User reviews

Don't let the cheesy video cover put your off. This is a gem of a family movie that uses a wee bit of magic to pull a dysfunctional Irish family back together. This is not a Disney film. The actors lack Hollywood's plastic sheen and cutesy appeal--they're real and honest, and good. You know from the start that this story will end happily, but there are some interesting surprises along the way, and at the end, you feel like you've just seen a piece of literature, not popcorn entertainment.

I give this film 9/10. My 12-year-old gave it 10/10, and my sometimes-cynical husband acknowledged "Yeah, it's a pretty good movie." That's high praise indeed.

I was most taken with this film when it came to town in the fall of 1993. Dealing with the issues of reconciliation, death, family against a background of Irish myths, this story was a most unique approach. Initially marketed as a child's film, it really is more of an adult film and any adults who take the time to view it will go away satisfied and rewarded. In addition, the soundtrack is absolutely wonderful and worth owning on its own merit.

Jim Sheridan's (The Boxer) semi-realist story of a single father (Gabriel Byrne)struggling with grief and a drinking weakness - while raising his two young lads in suburban Dublin, is brought to vivid life in this curious - but very impressive examination of life amongst the Irish gypsy set. Byrne was so impressed with Sheridan's script, he also signed on as co-producer for this gritty contemporary classic - involving a mysterious white horse that features in several rather astounding scenes (including one inside a cinema!)

Mike Newell directs with confidence and Patrick Doyle's haunting score lifts many scenes, while Newton Thomas Sigel's ('The Usual Suspects') superb cinematography soars with visual splendor. This highly original and unusual picture should please audiences of all ages. The Miramax DVD offers fine image and sound quality.

A beautiful heartwarming emotional movie. You will laugh and cry. A timeless classic one of the best Irish movies ever made.

Its more than a typical "family" film. Personally Im not into cozy melodramatic family films. And if you're not, you should like this. Its a cheer-up kind of movie and I don't mean its sappy and for kids only. Heres a run-down of the films best features:

* Gabriel Byrne!

* A different kind of feel here with much emphasis on family ties and a sense of turning things around for the better.

* A beautiful white horse that makes you want to find a magical horse of your own. The horse's acting is lovely as well!

* Great portrayals of Irish "Gypsy life" instead of cheap stereotyping that you usually find. You root and hope for them all the way.

* Ellen Barkin does an awesome job with her character and she can do a great Irish accent. Colm Meany is also in this film and hes cool as usual.

* Adorable children who know how to act better than a lot of adults.

* And.....did I mention Gabriel Byrne? 8P

What more can I say? I loved it! Warmed my heart right up.