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Director: Vic Sarin
Cast: Connie Nielsen, Aidan Quinn, John Bell
Run Time: 100 minutes
Country: Canada/Ireland
Year: 2009
Language: English
Rating: G (No advisory)
Set in a small village on wind-swept Corrie Island, just off
the coast of Ireland, A Shine of Rainbows, which screened
to family audiences at the 2009 Toronto International Film
Festival®, is a heartwarming film that follows an orphan’s
struggle to find acceptance and belonging in his new home.
Shy and picked on by the other boys in the orphanage,
eight-year-old Tomás (John Bell) can’t believe that the warm
and beautiful Maire O’Donnell (Connie Neilsen, Battle in
Seattle) has chosen to adopt him, of all the children.
Before he knows it, he is in Maire’s care, sailing over the
open water toward a new life. But Tomás’s optimism about
a better future begins to wane when he meets Alec (Aidan
Quinn, The Assignment), Maire’s husband. Alec can’t hide
his disappointment that Tomás isn’t the kind of child he was
hoping for, and his reticence to get to know Tomás leaves the
boy wondering why this or any other family would want to
adopt him.
Undeterred by her husband’s reserve, Maire introduces
Tomás to the wonders of his new world and makes it clear
that he is exactly the right child for the family. Through her
love and encouragement, Tomás’s self-confidence grows;
consequently, he finds himself making friends, adjusting
to his new home and even rescuing an orphaned seal pup
that he learns to care for. However, in order for the adoption
to be official, Alec’s signature is required, a commitment
he seems unwilling to make. Worried about being sent away,
Tomás faces his greatest challenge as he tries to find a way
to change Alec’s mind.
Canadian Vic Sarin has crafted an inspiring and
uplifting tale, highlighted by wonderful performances from
Nielsen, Quinn and newcomer Bell, and featuring Sarin’s own
outstanding cinematography capturing the panoramic beauty
of the rugged Irish coast. A Shine of Rainbows sensitively
explores the bumpy path of a child’s journey to self-discovery,
proving there is a little magic in all of us if only we take
the time to find it.
“...a thoughtful family film that doesn't cop out on harsh realities, giving a little something to old and young viewers alike." - Exclaim
Reviews: www.imdb.com/title/tt1014774/externalreviews
Official Site: www.sepiafilms.com/productions/completed/sor/sor.html
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