146. That They May Face The Rising Sun; movie review

 

THAT THEY MAY FACE THE RISING SUN

Cert 15

111 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong language

"I wonder what it's like to live so far from anywhere?"

That was a question that Mrs W and I repeatedly asked each other as we drove through the wilds of Ireland a couple of weeks ago.

Of course, satellite communications have made everywhere a little less remote but Pat Collins's film reminds us of life before the internet.

This is a quiet but poignant picture set in a close-knit community near the border with Northern Ireland. 

It follows a writer and a painter (Barry Ward and Anna Bederke) who have found solace and peace in this rural setting.

The camera invites the audience to experience the serenity of rural life, gracefully transitioning between the breathtaking countryside and their home, which acts as a magnet for local characters.

They include Patrick (Lalor Roddy), a jack of all trades who is loved by all but has no ability to use tact.

Phillip Dolan and Ruth McCabe are an elderly married couple hoping for a quiet life after family pressures.

Then there is Jonny (Sean McGinley), who went off to England for work but is angling to come home and Bill (Brendan Conroy), a strange old curmudgeon who grabs tea and biscuits before shuffling off.

While undeniably slow, That They May Face The Rising Sun is a lovely microcosm of life in old Ireland, with quiet, beautifully drawn characters who evoke a sense of nostalgia.

I felt myself sinking into it like wet turf.

Life is different nowadays, although there are still great Irish personalities, as we found in Donegal last week and, of course, the scenery is still stunning.

No wonder I can't wait to get back.

Reasons to watch: Evokes rural Ireland

Reasons to avoid: Slow burn

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 7.5/10

Did you know? Writer John McGahern was hailed by The Observer as "the greatest living Irish novelist" and in its obituary The Guardian described him as "arguably the most important Irish novelist since Samuel Beckett" in his obituary in 2006.

The final word. Pat Collins: "I don’t think I would’ve been able to do it until now, at the age of 56. I know it’s kind of crazy, but I think I needed to have a certain amount of work behind me before making it." BFI

Share this post