Sanctuary

I just didn't find it very interesting. Yes, there were a few funny moments, it brought up a taboo subject, and had some emotional sub- plots. Overall, I found the dialogue to be very wooden, and the ending was just disappointing.

The film is adapted out of an original play that sold out during Galway Arts Festival 2 years ago. I really enjoyed the play initially and when I heard that it was to be adapted to a film I thought that it was a really good Idea. Rita (my baby sister) was really excited about working with all her buddies in Blue Teapot and acting which all our family knows comes extremely natural to her. However she didn't tell us anything about the script and told us to wait until it was produced. As the Film Fleadh approached we got our tickets and looked forward to the night. We were going to support our sister and her buddies as we had always done as we knew the work that Blue Teapot does is extremely important. What followed for the next hour and twenty seven minutes was a mixture of laughter and realisation of the real issues that affect people with intellectual disabilities. What you experienced if you'd seen the play was the director exploring the characters, each in their own little way and pushing the boundaries of what we who don't have a recognised intellectual disability see as completely normal. What you witnessed if you hadn't seen the play was a comedy that made you laugh out loud all through the film and again outside when you reviewed the various aspects with the fellow audience members. Even though its listed as a comedy the real underlining message of the original play was not lost, well done Christian O Reilly & Len Collin.

I met a colleague of mine after the show who had never seen the play or knew nothing about the cast or history, as we spoke it was on my mind that my bias was shadowing my review so I asked her what she thought, I was pleasantly surprised that she was absolutely blown away by the experience and I have no doubt you will too!

Absolutely fantastic! A RomCom film with many LOL moments with the characters. A warm-hearted film with a strong ending message of equality and need for societal change. I would wholly recommend anyone to go see this movie.

Long Summary: I must admit, I was a bit apprehensive at first when I heard the concept of this movie. Described as both a RomCom and Drama film, my inner activist and pessimist thought this would be yet another movie poking fun people with disabilities. I couldn't have been more wrong! Directed by Len Collin, this movie is written in part by and performed by people with intellectual/ learning disabilities, allowing the audience to get absorbed into their world, which contrary to popular belief isn't as innocent as we are led to believe. Larry (Kieran Coppinger) is deeply in love with Sophie (Charlene Kelly). Together they long for some intimate relations in a world that keeps them apart. A world that treats people with intellectual disabilities as being child-like or innocent. Tom (Robert Doherty), a care worker, seems to be the only person that understands this, and in collusion with Larry and Sophie facilitates their much needed freedom during a care centre trip to the local cinema. What seems so simple, Tom soon finds out is not. Longing for their own freedom, other members of the centre go on their adventures throughout the city leading to multiple laugh out loud moments. Each character adds a new dimension to the film, with some characters knowingly using their disability to influence others in a hysterical way and honest talking that not only has you spilling your popcorn in laughter but also warms the heart. Based in Galway, Ireland, the film takes you through some scenic locations in a quest to find everyone, while Larry and Sophie get more acquainted. Sophie's story takes a dark, realistic tone with revelations from the past, but Larry's love and charming demeanour pulls her through. But this isn't the end to the drama with moments that leave the audience in tears of melancholy. A bittersweet ending which leaves the audience saddened but with a smile, this film will make you question societal preconceptions of people with intellectual disabilities. Make this a must see for all your friends and family.

A wonderful film that makes you laugh out loud and seriously consider the way you view the world of intellectual disability. I didn't quite know what to expect when I arrived at The Lighthouse cinema to see Sanctuary, and found myself a bit nervous when I sat down and the film started. A rom-com about people with intellectual disabilities isn't exactly a common film theme. Within a few minutes, the comedy of the film (due to both a great script and a great cast) relaxed me, and I found myself laughing out loud. Would absolutely recommend for anyone looking for a rom-com that's different and genuinely hilarious.

Sanctuary is such an amazing film !! At times the movie made me laugh and at times it's made me cry. Sanctuary has a wonderful real life issue to tell. The screenplay is WONDERFUL!! as well as an amazing direction by Len Collins !!

I Highly recommend anyone to watch this