The Secret Of Roan Inish Movie

Rating: PG(some nudity)

Run Time: 103 minutes

Summary(amazon.com):

Ten-year-old Fiona is sent to live with her grandparents in a small fishing village in Donegal, Ireland. She soon learns the local legend that an ancestor of hers married a selkie -- a seal who can turn into a human. Years earlier, her baby brother washed out to sea in a cradle, and some think that he is being raised by the seals. Then Fiona catches sight of a naked little boy on the abandoned isle of Roan Inish and takes a more active role in uncovering the mysteries which abound.

My Review:

Selkies are a creature that I can definitely identify with, and I was so excited to see this movie. As soon as it started, I was lured in by the lush and romantic rhythms of Celtic music and instruments and a beautiful opening scene of an Irish landscape and sea. 

What I loved:

What I loved most about this movie is that is showcases the beauty and allure that seals naturally posses. They are graceful and just beautiful, especially their eyes! I really felt the age of the old family mystery and it made me want to continue watching. 

What I Didn't Like:
Unfortunately, I found this movie to be a bit boring, especially in the middle towards the end. Nothing energetic really happens and the plot is very mellow. The little girl named Fiona also struck me as odd; the actress who played her barely had any emotions on her face the entire movie, and with so much going on, especially the existence of selkies, I wanted to see more excitement.

A movie that is similar to this one, titled, Ondine which is reviewed on this blog. Overall, I would give this movie (***) 3 stars. 

-Sirenita The Selkie

Ondine

Rating: PG-13
Run Time:108 Minutes
Magnolia Film

Summary(IMDB.com):
The story of an Irish fisherman who discovers a woman in his fishing net who he believes to be a Selkie (a water nymph).

My Review: 
I really enjoyed watching this movie. The movie opens up with the beautiful scenery of Ireland, and calming beautiful music of the sea. This is when Ondine is pulled up out of the fisherman's net. There are not many selkie movies out there, and this is one of the few good ones. I like that for once, this is not the "typical mermaid falls in love and transforms into a human" type of movie. Ondine is a strong, passionate and beautiful character from start to finish. I think the only problem people will have with this movie is the accent was hard to understand at times, and it was hard to hear the dialogue at the beginning. Another problem I found with this movie is that the ending is very misleading. I think viewers will enjoy this movie, and I give it (*****) 5 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie

Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80HzX8UGEKM