Irish Film Institute -International Film Directory – Film Listing

A Shine of Rainbows

    • Director

      Vic Sarin

    • Credits

      Producers: James Flynn, Tina Pehme, Kim Roberts. Writers: Vic Sarin, Catherine Speer, Dennis Foon, Lillian Beckwith

    • Principal Cast

      Aidan Quinn, Connie Nielsen, John Bell

  • Category

    Feature
    Family & Teen

Ireland’s coastline is imagined as a place of wonder in this enchanting story about young orphan boy Tomás (John Bell), and the life-changing experiences he has when taken in by the loving Máire (Connie Nielsen). Shy and easily frightened, Tomás struggles to win the love of Máaire’s husband Alec (Aidan Quinn), but Máire herself proves to be a loving mother who slowly brings the withdrawn boy into the world. The pair’s bond develops and Tomás discovers a love for nature when he adopts a baby seal lost on the shore. His newfound joy, however, is threatened as Máire,looks set to be taken  away from him. The film’s movement between marvel and sorrow lends it its moving power, with director Vic Sarin making this adaption of a Lillian Beckwith novel a touching, ultimately uplifting piece. 

Age: PG

101 minutes, Ireland/Canada, 2009, Colour

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