What struck me most about this film was the poetic writing. We are given an insight into the author's soul which is in direct contrast with the outer man who's in therapy, has sporadic contact with his wife and child in New York after deciding to return to the troubled Ulster of his childhood and teenage years.
This film wouldn't be for everyone by a long shot. His declared enemy, the husband of the girlfriend he abandoned when he fled Ireland, is a little overdrawn, gun in hand, casually shooting a stray dog to show us how tough he is and threatening yer man, the author. The sinister dark threatening character of countless films breaking into homes and bedrooms (without a sound or a broken door or window!) and sitting by beds waiting for his victim to wake up.
But the language is beautiful and the scenery spectacular and the main character was engaging even though dislikable, a hard role to perform.
He lays his ghosts to rest finally though the resolution was a little speedy and underdeveloped.
8/10, worth the watch if you're into this kind of film. The strife in the North is a backdrop to his inner strife.
