A Shine of Rainbows (2009)

A lonely orphan's life is transformed by an extraordinary woman who teaches him to conquer grief and discover the magic in nature and himself.

Director:

Vic Sarin

Writers:

Vic Sarin, Catherine Spear

Stars:

Connie Nielsen, Aidan Quinn, John Bell

4 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Connie Nielsen	...	Maire
Aidan Quinn	...	Alec
John Bell	...	Tomás
Jack Gleeson	...	Seamus
Tara Alice Scully	...	Nancy
Niamh Shaw	...	Katy
Kieran Lagan	...	Ned
Frances Quinn	...	Mrs. Kane
Karl O'Neill	...	Fergus
Joy McBrinn	...	Rag Lady
Ian McElhinney	...	Father Doyle
Lee Satell	...	Rory
Adam Downey	...	Jack
Shane Mahon	...	Paddy
Fionn O'Shea	...	Orphan Boy #1

Storyline

Maire O'Donnell is a loving woman as rare as a double rainbow. Joyful, warm and caring, she adopts a young orphan named Tomas and whisks him off to a new home on remote Corrie Island, off the coast of Ireland. Maire shares with Tomas the joys of her island home and introduces him to the whimsical local folklore, including the secret of the seals, and teaches him that everything you need is inside of you- if you really look. But Maire's stern husband Alec silently disapproves of Tomas' timidity and halting speech. He can't hide his disappointment that Tomas isn't the kind of child he was hoping for and his reluctance to get to know the boy makes Tomas unsure of whether he really belongs. Soon though, Tomas too falls in love with his home, befriending local children, descending into a secret bat-filled cave, and saving a stranded baby seal. When tragedy strikes however, Tomas is faced with his greatest challenge yet. He'll lose everything unless he can find- and share- the unique gifts ...

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Plot Keywords:

rainbow | island | love | ireland | orphan | 

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Taglines:

The greatest journeys are the ones that bring you home

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Genres:

Drama | Family

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some thematic elements, mild peril and smoking

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

Canada Ireland

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 February 2010 (USA)

Also Known As:

Tomás and the Rainbow

Filming Locations:

Five Finger Strand, Inishowen, Donegal, Ireland

Box Office

Budget:

CAD6,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sepia Films, Octagon Films, Téléfilm Canada

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Vic Sarin reported that Connie Nielsen was so immersed into her role that she spent the entire 28-day shoot speaking with an Irish accent, even when off-set.

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Goofs

The image of the double rainbow shown near the end is incorrect. The colors of the second (outer) rainbow will be inverted, with blue on the outside and red moved to the inside. The second bow will appear dimmer or cloudier.

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Quotes

Maire: You hardly talk to him.
Alec: Ach... I try. He hardly says a word.
Maire: You have to show him that you want him.
Alec: I feed him, put clothes on his back, share my house with him. I can't help not having feelings for him the way you do.

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Soundtracks

Early In The Morning
Lyrics by Matthew Jennings and Karen McLaughlin
Music by The Henry Girls
Performed by The Henry Girls and Keith Power

User Reviews

Beautiful love story

I LOVED this love story. Its rare that a movie fully captures the love of a parent and child so fully but this one did. I caught it on cable the other day and did not expect to be so moved.The actor who plays Tomas is simply astounding. His eyes convey more emotion than any adult actor I've seen in the last year. Connie Nielson, who I've only seen in Gladiator and LO-SVU, is gloriously heartbreaking in her maternal love. Aiden Quinn is excellent as the Dad who was expecting another type of child. There is not a false note in the entire movie. While the plot had no real surprises, the unfolding of the story was just beautiful. As an added bonus, the countryside is breathtaking. Highly recommend this film.