This is the first Irish production to be Oscar-nominated for Best International Film and they do indeed speak most of the dialogue in Gaelic (with subtitles). The titular character is an unhappy, struggling 9-year-old who lives in 80s Rural Ireland with her broken family. She’s sent away to spend the summer with 2 relatives, where she’s nurtured into a better outlook. It’s obvious that this film has a British heritage: The performances, the direction and the emotions are all restrained yet effective. Even though it moves at a deliberate pace, it’s never dull and the final few minutes are quietly touching. 
(4 / 5)
