In the tradition of Irish storytelling, this is a John Sayles gem from the past. It requires the suspension of belief, a young heart and the patience to slow your pace to a time when fishing in a small boat provided adequate family income. The film is set in post-WWII Ireland, but the significant action could have taken place anytime in the last 200 years.

I loved the Gaelic voice inflection and the Irish homilies that are sprinkled through the dialogue. The camera work is lovely and you leave this film with some understanding of the love that the Irish fishermen had for their tough life and the sea.

The protagonist is Fiona, a ten-year-old girl played by Jeni Courtney. We follow her path through the film and her connection with a selkie. You'll have to watch the movie to find out what they are. Watching Fiona, I was transported to a time when I could run barefoot with no regard for the terrain.

Although it is a fairytale, there is the reality of death and depression, which in its own way paints an accurate picture of the Irish cultural fatalism. This mixed with hope, myth and spring make a fascinating film.

We watched it with a 14-year-old granddaughter and she loved it.