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The Secret of Roan Inish (PG, 2000)

common sense media says

Gentle Irish folk tale of a young girl's island odyssey.

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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.

Educational value: Myth and folklore can enrich our lives; exploring even the most fantastical tales can provide unforeseen rewards. Seals and birds are given new dimension and inspire a deeper respect from the viewer. This film can be used as a springboard for further study of both animals and folk tales.
Positive messages: Two big messages resonate: That humans and creatures in the animal world are dependent upon one another and deserve to be treated with mutual respect, and that the legacy of the past, combined with faith and tenacity, can result in miraculous discovery.
Positive role models: While usually obedient and respectful, Fiona is also spirited and follows her heart. She accepts the consequences when she has made a mistake. She is willing to venture out of her "comfort zone" to learn new things and explore the world. The grandparents, while superstitious and strait-laced, are caring, responsible adults who love Fiona.
Violence & scariness: Birds attack two men while another bird pushes a baby in a cradle into the sea. The floating cradle is lost at sea in a fierce storm. A character suddenly stabs a knife into a table top in a moment of great anger.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Men seen drinking in a pub. Possibly drunk patron with beer in hand asks that his daughter be taken to live with her grandparents. Mention made of pub drinking on several occasions.
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More on The Secret of Roan Inish

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • 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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Columbia Tristar
Director: John Sayles
Cast: Eileen Colgan, Jenni Courtney, Mick Lally
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 103 minutes
Theatrical release: February 3, 2000
DVD release: July 25, 2000
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: scenes that might be unsettling for young children
This review was written by Renee Schonfeld
 
 

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What parents & educators say

7

Most useful reviews by all members

lotterz
teen, 17 years old
9
 
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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foleywags
parent of 13 year old
13
 
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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RRRReviewer
kid, 11 years old
7
 
It's a FILM, not a movie
Love the seals and the girl is brave.
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zoomdrm57
parent of 10 and 13 year old
8
 
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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Ghillie
teen, 14 years old
6
 
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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Grey
teen, 14 years old
6
 
wonderfull movie!! i was hooked all the way through!
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barb42
adult
 
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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somgop
parent of 9 and 13 year old
6
 
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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CelticHeart
parent of 9 year old
6
 
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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rgh
parent of and 8 , 11 , 13 year old
2
 
Beautiful Family Freindly Film
This film will hold the attention of people of most ages. It starts slow but steadily draws you in. My (sensitive) 9 year old was a little spooked when the selkie turned into a human, but it did not bother my 5 year old in the least, although the story may have been a little over his head.
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cliff in berkeley
adult
 
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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irishwaters
kid, 12 years old
8
 
Wonderful culturally endorsed movie!!! :D FANTASTIC
I love this movie! The Secret of Roan Inish is a great movie to watch with family. Its a nice relaxing movie that gives off positive messages to viewers about loving your family as well as your surroundings. The whole movie is a wonderful, extremely cultural experience the whole family will enjoy! Besides a smoke on the pipe and extremely minor drinking one scene, THIS MOVIE IS A+
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