Ensofter Overrated and overhyped

Executscan Expected more

Pacionsbo Absolutely Fantastic

Helllins It is both painfully honest and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.

SnoopyStyle Tomás (John Bell) is a shy, stuttering orphan bullied by the other kids. He is adopted by Maire (Connie Nielsen) but her husband Alec (Aidan Quinn) is reluctant. They live in an isolated farm house on remote Corrie Island, Ireland. Alec has yet to sign the adoption papers. They find an abandoned baby seal and Tomás takes care of it.This has a nice quiet charm but it's lacking in drama. There is no tension in the story. These are perfectly nice characters. It needs a hurdle but the only hurdle exists in Alec. That's not enough unless the movie intends to make him a villain. There are slight attempts at magical realism. While they are nice, they are not big enough to be awesome. This is a nice little movie but not much more.

Maddyclassicfilms A Shine of Rainbows is directed by Vic Sarin, is written by Vic Sarin, Catherine Spear and Dennis Foon, is based on the novel by Lillian Beckwith. The film stars Aidan Quinn, Connie Nielsen and John Bell.Tomas(John Bell)is a young orphan who is adopted by Marie(Connie Nielsen), she is an outgoing and fun woman and slowly begins to draw this shy and timid boy out of his shell. She takes him back to her home on a small island of the coast of Ireland.Marie's husband Alec(Aidan Quinn)is disappointed in Tomas because he's so shy and he can't hide it for the boys sake. Alec appears tough and stern but is a really kind and gentle man, he loves Marie so much and tries to build a relationship with Tomas. For the first time in his life Tomas finds he is happy. Then tragedy strikes the family and everything changes.John Bell gives an extraordinary performance given how young he is, he really makes you feel for Tomas and make you want him to have a happy ending. Connie Nielsen is superb as the loving mother, she puts a smile on your face. Aidan Quinn has a much tougher role, he has to appear mean but also make us see that he isn't, he is a more introverted man and only shows his real self when he's alone with Marie, his performance is quite subtle and is one of his best.The film has beautiful locations and photography and is a moving and funny film.

Buildman Very sweet film that reunites Aiden Quinn and Connie Nielsen after their smoking "Return to Sender". Quinn is perfect as Alec O'Donnell, Irish countryman, who can't hide his disappointment in the timid boy whom his angelic wife brings home from the orphanage. He and Nielsen are very tight, but the main interaction of the story is between the beautiful and self-giving Maire and the very needy boy, Tomas, exquisitely played by John Bell. Under her loving grace he blossoms and learns to accept himself and to live a joyful life, but will he and Alec be able to stick together if Maire goes away?Connie Nielsen is one of the most beautiful and gifted actresses working, and effortlessly fills this sugary roll with no false notes. For contrast see her sullen Charlotte in Return to Sender.

gauri I saw this one last night. This is a gut-wrenchingly, poignant movie. Really glad I stumbled across this one in my DVD collection. Word of caution though, watch it with a hanky at hand!I was sobbing half way through it and am glad there was nobody around to catch me in the middle of my sob-fest. And the little boy- such a fine performance I was astounded. I don't want to spoil it for you, but it's a story about a little orphaned boy and his adoptive family. Very fine exploration of the nuances of human nature. But more than that, it is a story about love.I thoroughly recommend watching this one, but it's not a date movie though.