THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 21, 1995 TAG: 9505230400
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E9 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Movie review
SOURCE: BY MAL VINCENT, MOVIE CRITIC
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
``THE SECRET of Roan Inish'' is an intriguing, almost hypnotic film about a search for identity, as seen through the eyes of a child.
It is that rare thing: an adult film about children.
The setting is an isolated island called Roan Inish off the west coast of Ireland. The time is just after World War II.
The heroine is a saucer-eyed, 10-year-old girl who goes searching for the history of her family. She believes that her little brother, Jamie, has been reincarnated on the now-deserted island where her family once lived. The infant Jamie floated out to sea in his cradle and was never heard from again. Only seals and abandoned homes now exist on the island.
The little girl, Fiona, is played by Jeni Courtney, a non-professional who, refreshingly, does not act like a child actress.
Fiona's mother dies just after the war. Her father goes away to the city but, in desperation, eventually sends her back to live with her grandparents. They are wonderfully played by Eileen Colgan (a kind of saint who is always spouting wisdom) and Mick Lally (a folksy yarn spinner).
For those of us who live near the sea, this is a film in which that vast expanse has special meaning. Fiona listens to stories that make her wonder about the power, and lure, of the sea. From a relative she hears about an ancestor who fell in love with a beautiful woman who turned out to be a selkie, a creature half human and half seal.
The film respects magic and myths, but it has the common sense not to push its case. Skeptics can enjoy it as something of a mystery yarn.
It is directed and written by John Sayles, who specializes in independent and unique films. A magical child's film is something different for the director of ``Passion Fish'' and ``Eight Men Out,'' but he makes the material his own.
The photography by veteran Haskell Wexler, whose most showy outing was ``Days of Heaven,'' is surprisingly routine. Wexler lets the beautiful scenery speak for itself, eschewing special touches. Mason Daring's folk-oriented music lends local color and mystery.
``The Secret of Roan Inish,'' most of all, has a respect for good story-telling. The characters, as Irish as shamrocks in the sunlight, love to spin yarns. Any possible resistance to the tallness of the tales is set aside by the superstitions of the folk themselves, as well as by the fact that the entire film is seen through the child's eyes. The director establishes this brilliantly in an early scene when he keeps the camera on the child while adults chatter away.
This may have a difficult time finding the right audience. It is suitable for children, yet it is much more complex than the usual fare for them. It would do better, regrettably, if it had some title like ``Seal Woman Meets Devil Child.
``The Secret of Roan Inish'' is a very independent and individual film. It has its own style and devotion to magic. It is uncompromising in its commitment to place and time. For those who decide to take the journey, it is a very special experience. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
OVERSEAS FILMGROUP
Mick Lally and Jeni Courtney star in ``The Secret of Roan Inish,'' a
film about the search for identity as seen through the eyes of a
child.
Graphic
MOVIE REVIEW
``The Secret of Roan Inish''
Cast: Jeni Courtney, Eileen Colgan, Mick Lally
Director and screenwriter: John Sayles
Music: Mason Daring
MPAA rating: PG (a complexity that will challenge children, as it
should)
Mal's rating: Three 1/2 stars
Locations: Naro in Norfolk
by CNB