While the recent English National Theatre star-studded production is luring many theatre-goers across the Irish Sea, it’s timely to look back at Pat O’Connor’s richly textured film adaptation of Brian Friel’s enormously popular play about life in 1930s Ireland. At the heart of this enduring tale is a family of five sisters – headed up by schoolteacher Kate (Meryl Streep) – struggling to maintain a household that includes unmarried mother Christina (Catherina McCormack) and her son Michael (Darrell Johnston). Their battle to stave off destitution, however, is radically changed by the appearance of two extraordinary individuals: their brother, Father Jack (Michael Gambon), returned from a mission in Africa, and Gerry (Rhys Ifans), the father of Christina’s child. Both men offer the sisters different challenges and prospects, with hard choices to be made as money and opportunities dwindle away in this finely-performed portrayal of women searching for vitality amidst stifling conditions.

Also screening as part of our From The Vaults strand on Thursday July 20th, 6.30pm. Tickets on sale here.

Notes by Alicia McGivern