The Secret of Roan Inish (Widescreen/Full Screen)

What's remarkable about this film (which Sayles adapted from Rosalie Fry's novel Secret of the Ron Mor Skerry) is that it's not told as a cute fantasy for children, but as a straightforward, unsentimental story of a young girl's family history. That gives the film--which was beautifully photographed by master cinematographer Haskell Wexler--an understated charm that is completely absorbing in its atmosphere and subtle tone. There's magic as well, to be sure--you could almost swear that the seals and seagulls in the film took direction from Sayles as well as any human actor! --Jeff Shannon

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As one of the most respected American independent filmmakers, John Sayles has created a body of work as distinguished in its diversity as for its consistent quality and inspiring originality. He's never been one to march to the commercial beat, but chooses instead to follow his creative impulse wherever it leads him. The Secret of Roan Inish led Sayles to the beautiful and moody West Coast of Ireland; it is a tale of a girl who discovers that her family has been touched by myth and magic throughout the years. Following the death of her mother, young Fiona (Jeni Courtney) is sent to live with her grandparents on the Irish coast across from Roan Inish, the island where her family once lived. She's told stories about the selkies--seals that can turn into humans--who have been connected with Fiona's family over the ages. At first she's not sure if the selkies are real or mythological, but she later realizes that they hold the key to reclaiming her family heritage.

What's remarkable about this film (which Sayles adapted from Rosalie Fry's novel Secret of the Ron Mor Skerry) is that it's not told as a cute fantasy for children, but as a straightforward, unsentimental story of a young girl's family history. That gives the film--which was beautifully photographed by master cinematographer Haskell Wexler--an understated charm that is completely absorbing in its atmosphere and subtle tone. There's magic as well, to be sure--you could almost swear that the seals and seagulls in the film took direction from Sayles as well as any human actor! --Jeff Shannon

Roan Innish means Seal Island in Celtic. The story is of a young, orphaned Irish girl determined to uncover her family's secret. Her brother has been missing, and is never mentioned by her traditional and loving grandparents, who are raising her. The intrepid girl uses her detective skills, perseverance, hard work, and all the resources at hand to uncover a mystery greater than she or her grandparents ever imagined.

This is a movie for adults more than children, as the heavy Irish brouge is a bit difficult to translate at first, and the beautiful filmography may seem slow-moving to children. Amazing acting will transport you to a place you have never been and will never forget.


Magic!   July 13, 2004
David o'Connor (Boston)
An absolutely beautiful story building on legends from the west coast and the islands. Captures the magic of the legends better than anything has since my storytimes with an old West Kerry grand uncle.
Beautifully acted by an excellent cast despite the distraction of Judi Courtney's northern accent when the rest of the family have southern accents.
The Selkie is well played by Susan Lynch who has been in many other films including Ned Devine


What a beautiful film   June 17, 2004
Johanna (Santa Cruz, CA USA)
This film was so gorgeous...the scenery was breathtaking. Though I was a bit confused at times about the plot (now I understand it more), overall it was a spectacular piece of cinema. Lovely.


The Secret of Roan Inish   March 15, 2004
Kate (Dundee, IL)
The movie made me want to GO to Ireland - to go to Inishmore (the island off the west coast).
It's a good movie - if someone is interested in Irish folklore, by all means get it!
Oh, I FINALLY did go to Ireland, and Inishmore a few weeks ago, and saw the seals playing on the beach! It's just as beautiful (and mysterious) as the movie!