Skellig: The Owl Man (2009)

After moving with his family into a new home, a boy discovers a bird-like man living in the old garage on their property.

Director:

Annabel Jankel (as AJ Jankel)

Writers:

David Almond (based on the book by:), Irena Brignull (screenplay)

Stars:

Tim Roth, Kelly Macdonald, Bill Milner

1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tim Roth	...	Skellig
Kelly Macdonald	...	Louise
Bill Milner	...	Michael
John Simm	...	Dave
Skye Bennett	...	Mina
Jermaine Allen	...	Leakey
Eros Vlahos	...	Coot
Edna Doré	...	Grace (as Edna Dore)
Alexander Armstrong	...	Mr Hunt
Navin Chowdhry	...	Mr Watson
Nickie Rainsford	...	Mina's Mother
Tameka Empson	...	Nurse 1
Lisa Zahra	...	Nurse 2
Keiron Self	...	Suited Man
Queenie Wren Dempsey	...	Baby Grace

Storyline

Unatheletic pre-teen schoolboy Michael is dragged to a new home in the countryside by his father Dave. Fitting in with new classmates is hard, but Michael bonds with protective jock Leakey and a fellow nerd nature lover. In a garden shed he discovers a strange, weak man with owl wings, who becomes a friend whom he helps regain strength and evacuates him to a tree house when father burns down the shed. Learning the 'owl man' is a rundown force of nature, Michael hopes he can help his baby sister's probably fatal medical condition.

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Plot Keywords:

character name as title | owl | boy | wings | f rated | 

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Genres:

Drama | Family | Fantasy | Mystery

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements, some peril and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Skellig has nictitating membranes, translucent inner eyelids which are found in birds (among other animals) and used to protect the eyes during flight. This can be clearly seen in one scene in the shed, where the camera focuses on his eye blinking.

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Goofs

(at around 12 mins) Louise drops on the floor flower in pot along with her mobile. A few seconds later the mobile is on top of box again.

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Soundtracks

You Get What You Give
Composed by The New Radicals

User Reviews

simply good

I knew very little about the movie when I stumbled upon it on the TV schedule, but something in the summery seemed right, so I decided to give it a watch. Never regretted my decision. It's acted superbly and directed without a drop of excess, and considering the story this quite an achievement. Hollywood would've made it into a sentimental mush thankfully it's not the case. I was annoyed however with the title given to it in Hebrew which is almost a matter of habit with films translated here, in this case both the name and the summery provided were in-fact an unnecessary spoiler, which the original title avoids unless you already know the book, which is unlikely in Israel. I'm going to look for the book now, it must be a real treat.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 April 2009 (UK)

Also Known As:

Skellig: The Owl Man

Filming Locations:

Cardiff, South Glamorgan, Wales, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Feel Films, Taking a Line for a Walk Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1