The Secret of Roan Inish

1994, Kids & family/Drama, 1h 43m

45 Reviews 5,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

The Secret of Roan Inish is a gentle fairy tale filled with optimism that's suitable for the whole family. Read critic reviews

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The Secret of Roan Inish Photos

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Movie Info

Fiona (Jeni Courtney) is a young Irish girl with an unusual family history, including a long-missing baby brother. When she goes to live with her grandparents on the west coast of Ireland, Fiona hears stories about her ancestors, tales that involve mythical creatures called selkies who can shift from seal to human form. After Fiona ends up on the small island of Roan Inish, her family's ancestral home, she believes she may have found her little brother living by the sea.
  • Rating:
    PG
  • Genre:
    Kids & family, Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    John Sayles
  • Producer:
    Maggie Renzi
  • Writer:
    John Sayles
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $82.6K
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Columbia TriStar Home Video, Samuel Goldwyn Company

Cast & Crew

Mick Lally
Hugh
Eileen Colgan
Tess
John Lynch
Tadhg
Jeni Courtney
Fiona
Richard Sheridan
Eamon
Cillian Byrne
Jamie
Pat Slowey
Priest
Dave Duffy
Jim
Declan Hannigan
Oldest brother
Fergal McElherron
Sean Michael
Frankie McCafferty
Tim
Gerald Rooney
Liam
Susan Lynch
Selkie
Linda Greer
Brigid
John Sayles
Director
John Sayles
Screenwriter
Maggie Renzi
Producer
Peter Newman
Executive Producer
John Sloss
Executive Producer
Haskell Wexler
Cinematographer
John Sayles
Film Editing
Mason Daring
Original Music
Adrian Smith
Production Design
Dennis Bosher
Art Director
Henry Harris
Art Director
Lucy Richardson
Art Director
Tom Conroy
Set Decoration
Consolata Boyle
Costume Design
John Hubbard
Casting
Ros Hubbard
Casting
Show all Cast & Crew

News & Interviews for The Secret of Roan Inish

Trailer Bulletin: Little Man
Ebert’s Overlooked Film Festival 2005
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Critic Reviews for The Secret of Roan Inish

All Critics (45) | Top Critics (19) | Fresh (43) | Rotten (2)
Full Review… Anne Billson Daily Telegraph (UK) Full Review… Bruce Diones New Yorker Full Review… Lisa Schwarzbaum Entertainment Weekly Full Review… Dennis Harvey Variety Full Review… Michael Rechtshaffen Hollywood Reporter Full Review… Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader Full Review… Melinda Miller Buffalo News Full Review… Josh Larsen LarsenOnFilm Full Review… Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Full Review… Robert Roten Laramie Movie Scope Full Review… Douglas Pratt DVDLaser Full Review… Daniel M. Kimmel Worcester Telegram & Gazette
View All Critic Reviews (45)

Audience Reviews for The Secret of Roan Inish

  • Nov 07, 2014
    The (uninteresting & very much avoidable) Secret of Roan Inish
    familiar s Super Reviewer
  • Sep 25, 2012
    Very cute. It doesn't need to be grand to be effective.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Aug 27, 2011
    Great children's movie. Great Irish folklore too.
    Sean G Super Reviewer
  • Dec 11, 2009
    A beautiful tale makes you want to believe in Magic.
    Wahida K Super Reviewer
See All Audience reviews

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