Many of our readers love the John Sayles-Haskell Wexler collaboration “The Secret of Roan Inish” as a poetic family movie, and we can forward their recommendation whole-heartedly.
Tell the kids to relax and wait for a plot to unfold. “Roan Inish” (1994) does not give up its secrets quickly, but the cinematography of Wexler on the Irish island of Donegal will entrance viewers of all ages who give it a chance.
The plot follows 10-year-old Fiona as she joins her grandparents in a tiny fishing village after World War II. She learns that storytelling and myth-making are a way of life in a remote place where the changing weather serves as television, and hardship is the master of everyone.
Fiona had a little brother who washed out to sea in a cradle, and the legend of the Selkies – part human, part seal – comes to dominate her time on the island. Sayles trusts his deliberate pacing to great effect, and allows Wexler to become a star of the movie by the way he points his cameras. (Wexler was one of Hollywood’s greatest cinematographers, having brought us “Bound for Glory,” “Days of Heaven,” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” among others.)
If you’ve been trying to steer the family toward a trip to Ireland, this is the movie to put in the slot.
Each week, Michael Booth uncovers a movie gem for rewarding family entertainment. Reach him at mbooth@denverpost.com, or try the Screen Team blog at denverpostbloghouse.com
“The Secret of Roan Inish”
Rated: PG for some scenes that will need explaining to small children
Best for: Children ages 7 and up
