My Sailor, My Love

Filmed and set in Ireland, James Cosmo, in his 70s, is Howard, former sailor and now retired to his remote home. His wife, who suffered from depression, died years earlier. He lives alone and his 40-something daughter, a nurse, checks on him periodically. He doesn't seem to welcome her visits and his home is a total mess.

So the daughter hires help, a local lady to come in two days a week. She is played by 60-something Brid Brennan as Annie. At first Howard makes it clear that he'd rather her not come, but eventually he softens up when he realizes she is good company.

The adult daughter is played by Catherine Walker as Grace. She too is having personal issues and she and her husband don't always have time to communicate properly.

As the story develops we see that there are some deep family issues, plus some issues Howard is having that he fails to share. It is all plausible, elderly parents and their adult children can have difficulty with issues that represent a wedge. In fact I have five adult children and there are wedges.

My wife and I watched it at home, streaming on Amazon Prime. Not a happy or uplifting movie but suitably interesting. The acting and cinematography are excellent.

I have been wanting to see this movie ever since it was released. I finally rented it on Amazon Prime. Every one of the actors was brilliant. You get emotionally invested right from the beginning. It really was believable and I'm sure lots of people could relate to this story. I know I could. It's great to see a movie which isn't totally "Hollywood " if you get what I mean. Plus you get to see the beautiful scenery of Ireland. I really can't find any fault with this film. I'm not sure what else I can add, however, it seems that you now have to have a minimum amount of words? Anyway, I highly recommend this movie.

This is another interesting Finn-Irish film. English dialogue. It is set on Achill island on the west of Ireland and the scenery captured by the cinematography is one of the stars. The story is a tad manipulative and predictable with a quickly malleable, reclusive curmudgeon, Howard (James Cosmo) having a housekeeper, Annie (Brid Brennan) thrust upon him. There is some dysfunction and 'history' in the family and all is not plain sailing. However, the movie is lifted by excellent acting and direction and as a family drama it is better than many around. There is some complexity and pain, leavened by the developing affection of the protagonists. Some discomfort, some uplifting and affecting moments. Definitely worth a trip to the pictures.

When a retired, curmudgeonly, self-centered Irish sea captain has trouble caring for himself, his overprotective, controlling daughter hires a new housekeeper to tend to his needs, a move the fiercely independent protagonist initially resents. However, before long, the once-tentative relationship blossoms into something more substantial, a move the skipper's daughter questions and grows to resent. So how will this fundamental dilemma be resolved? That's the central question raised in director Klaus Härö's latest effort, a well-crafted, if occasionally predictable, romantic drama reminiscent of the similarly themed "Nobody Has to Know" (2021). Set against the sweeping Irish seacoast, this beautifully photographed backdrop provides the perfect stage for this heartfelt saga, one that verges on a tearjerker at times but never slides into a sappy, melodramatic, manipulative hanky fest. In large part this is due to the restrained but powerful performances of James Cosmo and Brid Brennan, who keep their characters real without becoming sentimental, histrionic caricatures. Add to this a finely polished soundtrack, and you've got a quality cinematic offering that deserves a look for a variety of reasons.

Highly respected Finish director Klaus Harro brings his quiet, controlled professional guidance to this introspective modern study of Familial intrigues and complexities from youth to older age. Writers Jimmy Karlson and Kirisi Vikman bring a sharp and thoughtful observation to this slice of life work. It's pleasing to find that films of this nature and depth remain being made in this era of superficial cartoon heroes and action fodder, churned out for largely uninvolved 'kids' of all ages.

Strong performances are essential for stories without CGI wizardry and non-stop action, and this cast of mature-aged players certainly keep the flow of emotions on track from first frame to last. In fact, right from the first scene (Catherine Walker in a group therapy session) you know an emotional tour de force may be on its way. All the carefully selected players are totally convincing as they bring the layers of complex relationships into the viewer's understanding. The dialog is intelligent, with the viewer needing to devote attention in following, lest you miss a vital line (having the ability to rewind is helpful) so DVD or Home Cinema set-ups can help with this.

Striking wide screen vistas of the Irish Coastline captured by Robert Nordstrom (The Disciple '13) are a joy to take in on a larger screen. Award winning Belgium born (of Italian parents) Michelino Bisceglia supplies the descriptive (classic inspired) score. Even Finbar Furey delivers an unannounced song. Lovers of Bergman studies are more inclined to run with this one, as well as O'Neil devotees. Some have disagreed with the time devoted to certain character changes, but they are in keeping when each characters back stories are fully known.

Polished viewing for discerning viewers. Younger audiences may not be as appreciative.