Colin Farrell & Alicja Bachleda

You know it's an Irish fairy tale when the mists swirl and the sea churns around the harsh beauty of the Emerald Isle. You know it's a Neil Jordan Irish fairy tale when at the center of all that harsh beauty is a family broken apart by alcoholism.

"Ondine" stars Colin Farrell as Syracuse, a local fisherman with a heavy-drinking ex-wife and a spirited daughter on dialysis. Syracuse is long past having dreams when he snares a beautiful woman in his nets, and reality and Irish mythology soon tangle in ways both magical and frustrating.

Nevertheless, there is much to recommend "Ondine," Jordan's love letter to Castletownbere, the Irish village where he lives and shot the film; and the notion that no matter how bruised and battered by life, love is still the answer.

It's a departure for a writer-director who tends toward densely detailed stories stuffed with moral complications, "The Crying Game" and "Mona Lisa" among them. Sometimes, the simplicity of the story confounds him, with young Annie (Alison Barry) saddled with a failing kidney and most of the exposition -- too much to ask of a child.

The woman at the heart of this tale is Ondine, Alicja Bachleda of "Trade," who's perfectly cast as an ethereal creature that may be a selkie -- seals able to transform into seductively gorgeous humans when the circumstances are right.

All Syracuse knows is that Ondine is running from something, that her haunting songs increase his daily catch and that she seems to be falling in love with him. Annie is more interested in a selkie's wish-granting powers, while Syracuse's ex, Maura (Dervla Kirwan), is more concerned with where she's sleeping.

At times, the narrative flows beautifully, particularly in the connection between Syracuse and Ondine. Farrell exposes much with those dark eyes and wary hesitations. It's hard not to wish more filmmakers would tap into that quieter, more vulnerable side.

At other times, the road is rocky when the story speeds up to take care of business, with the end a mad dash to tie up loose ends.

Still, there is enough saving grace to let the mists and the legends roll in and envelop you for a while.

 

     RSS

 

"Ondine" Movie Trailer

ONDINE is the story of Syracuse, a simple fisherman who catches a beautiful and mysterious woman in his trawler's nets. The woman seems to be dead, but then she comes alive before Syracuse's eyes and he thinks he may be seeing things. However, with the help of his ailing, yet irrepressible daughter, Annie, he comes to believe that the fantastical might be possible and that the woman (Ondine) might be a myth come true. Ondine and Syracuse fall passionately in love, but just as we think the fairytale might go on forever, the real world intercedes. Then, after a terrible car crash and the return of a dark and violent figure from Ondine's past, hope eventually prevails and a new beginning is presented to Syracuse, Ondine and Annie.

 

more MOVIE REVIEWS ...

Recent Movie Reviews - Films in Theaters

 

Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3
Tom Hanks & Tim Allen in Toy Story 3

'Toy Story 3' is a good sequel. Young Andy is heading off to college, and the long-neglected toys are headed for the attic. After mistakenly getting thrown to the curb as trash, the gang -- cowboy Woody, spaceman Buzz Lightyear, cowgirl Jessie, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head and the rest of the principals -- has to bust out of the day care center in which they find themselves

 

Josh Brolin & Megan Fox

Jonah Hex
Josh Brolin, John Malkovich & Megan Fox in Jonah Hex

'Jonah Hex' is the latest DC Comics title to reach the screen. The film's scenario sticks to 1876, focusing on Jonah's (Josh Brolin's) quest to kill the insane yet rather dull terrorist played by Malkovich, because he's the one who burned his family alive and then branded Jonah with a terrible branding iron. But here's how you know Josh Brolin has become a movie star

 

Rachel Weisz & Max Minghella

Agora
Rachel Weisz & Max Minghella in Agora

Set in the 4th century in Roman-controlled Alexandria, 'Agora' has everything except real drama. While Christian unrest swirls around Rachel Weisz, who plays a 'pagan' astronomer -- a sexy librarian, without the specs -- she must contend with two disparate suitors.

 

Joan Rivers & Melissa Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work
Joan Rivers & Melissa Joan Rivers in Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work takes the audience on a year long ride with legendary comedian Joan Rivers. Peeling away the mask of an iconic comedian and exposing the struggles, sacrifices and joy of living life as a ground breaking female performer. The film is an emotionally surprising and revealing portrait of one the most hilarious and long-standing career women ever in the business

 

Jean Dujardin & Louise Monot

OSS 117: Lost in Rio
Jean Dujardin & Louise Monot in OSS 117: Lost in Rio

France's super secret agent man is back in 'OSS 117: Lost in Rio,' and he's better, and worse, than ever. The latest edition of the French spoof again stars Jean Dujardin as Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath, a secret agent with brilliantined hair and a specialty for sailing through politically incorrect pronouncements with the same aplomb he does shootouts with bad guys

 

Jennifer Lawrence & John Hawkes

Winter's Bone
Jennifer Lawrence & John Hawkes in Winter's Bone

Adapted from Daniel Woodrell's novel, Winter's Bone takes place in the Missouri Ozarks. Here, when someone's cooking skills are mentioned, the phrase refers to a methamphetamine lab, not dinner. The land and its socioeconomics are not for the weak. And in 17-year-old Ree, a flinty survivor portrayed by the spectacularly talented young actress Jennifer Lawrence

 

MPAA rating: PG-13 (for some violence, sensuality and brief strong language).

Running time: 1:43.

Cast: Colin Farrell (Syracuse); Alicja Bachleda (Ondine); Alison Barry (Annie); Dervla Kirwan (Maura); Stephen Rea (priest).

Credits: Written and directed by Neil Jordan; produced by Jordan, James Flynn and Ben Browning. A Magnolia Pictures release.