 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Secret of Roan Inish
- Review Date: April 15, 2010
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2000
Common Sense Media says
Gentle Irish folk tale of a young girl's island odyssey.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that some images in this film may be frightening to young children: a cradled infant boy floats into the stormy sea and disappears while birds attack two men on the shore, preventing them from rescuing the baby; a "Selkie" (legendary seal) unsettlingly sheds its skin to become a woman. The opening scene takes place at the funeral of a young mother; the sound of a wailing baby intensifies the sadness. There is a startling moment when a young man suddenly stabs a knife into a table. Stories and superstitions are related throughout, some of which humanize sea creatures and sometimes make them appear threatening. Drinking takes place in local pubs. A naked toddler runs along the beach in several sequences.
What's the story?
After the death of her mother, Fiona's father sends her to a remote Irish coastal village to live with her grandparents. The adventurous 10-year-old closely bonds with her family and explores their old home on an isolated, nearby island. Moved by the legendary stories she hears (including the tale of an ancestor was believed to have been a "Selkie" -- a seal who sheds her skin to become human), Fiona searches for Jamie, her infant brother who was carried out to sea in a cradle years earlier.
Is it any good?
This is a lyrical, quiet movie about a child's faith in miracles. The folkloric tale is spun in an idyllic setting with great respect for the wonders of animals and nature. In his first "family" film, writer-director John Sayles brings to life, and blends, myth, tragedy, and joy. The film will appeal to both children and grown-ups, and can best be enjoyed together.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about folk tales. Why is this movie considered a folk tale? How are such tales passed from one generation to another? What do you think happens to the stories as they are recounted over the years?
Why was the sea so important to the people in this movie? Why was it important to Fiona?
The filmmakers used music, sound, and close-ups to illustrate the power and vastness of nature. Were they successful? How did each of these devices increase your experience?
What other movies have you seen that might be considered folk tales or legends? How do these differ from fairy tales?
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AGE
I'm 14 and I LOVED IT!! :)
I am 14 years old and we watched the movie in my music class. I thought it was very nice and had great footage of Ireland. I would give it an 8 out of 10. My only complaint is that some of the shoots were a little bit long and it was hard to understand what the characters were saying at times.
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AGE
My favorite movie. Ever. Of all Time.
Our whole family really loves this movie. The performances are perfect, and the setting is stunning. Whenever we watch this, we long for and aspire to the simple, but important, ideals that Fiona and her family achieve.
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Kid, 11 years old
April 30, 2010
AGE
It's a FILM, not a movie
Love the seals and the girl is brave.
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AGE
wonderfull movie!! i was hooked all the way through!
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AGE
Adorable
It is a beautiful family story. My brother and I absolutely love it. There is a drunk man, though, and pubs are depicted.
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AGE
Good for kids 12 and older who like more complex stories
I love this movie and my 12 year old liked it, too. It is slower paced and more like a "dream" movie where you have to let it all wash over you rather than expect it to be fast paced. Beautiful story, very enchanting; main character is a little girl who's very bold and independent in a quiet way. If you liked Whale Rider, you will probably like this movie.
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AGE
Get the popcorn and enjoy!!
What a delightful magical well-done film! Just a great time for the family!! This is what movies should do for us!!
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AGE
A delightful, wonderful tale of family triumph over tragedy. Beautifully crafted by John Sayles. Among the best movies for all ages.
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AGE
One of the best
The films I seek out for my eight-year old daughter are ones that unfold at a leisurely pace, tell intriguing stories,have engaging characters and rich imagery. This film has all of those in spades. It's the antithesis of frantically paced hollywood "family" fare".This story is about living close to nature and involves magical creatures called "selkies", seals that take on human form and that occur in Irish and Scots folktales. There are a few scenes of peril, but they are mild by today's standards: a young baby floats to sea in a cradle and is thought to be lost, and an older child briefly goes adrift in a rowboat in a fog. One scene of a seal transforming into a woman might be mildly disturbing to some kids, but wasn't to my fairly sensitive daughter. The biggest obstacle for many kids would be the thick Irish brogues, which prompted the producers to provide English subtitles even though the film is in English. But my daughter followed things pretty well, and when she didn't, we just hit "pause" and did some explaining.All in all a great, great family film, enjoyed by the adults and the kid in our household equally and hugely.
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AGE
Celtic legend brought to life
As American of Irish Heritage and a traditional Celtic musician, I loved that a classic Celtic fairy tale was brought to life in such a precious and compelling fashion. This is a family favorite and we even own the soundtrack. Give this a try for your next Saint Patrick's family time.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| Studio: | Columbia Tristar |
| Director: | John Sayles |
| Cast: | Eileen Colgan, Jenni Courtney, Mick Lally |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 103 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | February 3, 2000 |
| DVD release date: | July 25, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | scenes that might be unsettling for young children |
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