This is one of those nice surprises that European countries are very good at, and it beautifully demonstrates the reason for state film boards and European co-productions. If this had come through the studio system, it would have a glossy sheen and a sickening dollop of schmaltz. Fortunately it didn't. It is therefore able to be both charming and gritty, as well as touching and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny. The acting is skilfully crafted, with much of the communication achieved without the benefit of words.
There are three lead roles, Demian Bichir as the pilot, Jamie Kierans as Paco (yes, an Irish boy called Paco!), and Kerry Condon as Grace. Demian Bichir is seedy yet approachable as the pilot, Kerry Condon, as ever, becomes the character of Grace, and Jamie Kierans, in his film debut, is unbelievably natural as her slightly insane nine-year-old son Paco.
With these three in the lead, the Director has none the less managed to keep the other characters vibrant and interesting, using skillful brush strokes to delineate the characters and beautifully orchestrated and executed camera work to capture the individuality and humanity of all the characters.
The film was perfectly cast, and well executed. It might, however, put you off ever riding trains in Ireland!
There are three lead roles, Demian Bichir as the pilot, Jamie Kierans as Paco (yes, an Irish boy called Paco!), and Kerry Condon as Grace. Demian Bichir is seedy yet approachable as the pilot, Kerry Condon, as ever, becomes the character of Grace, and Jamie Kierans, in his film debut, is unbelievably natural as her slightly insane nine-year-old son Paco.
With these three in the lead, the Director has none the less managed to keep the other characters vibrant and interesting, using skillful brush strokes to delineate the characters and beautifully orchestrated and executed camera work to capture the individuality and humanity of all the characters.
The film was perfectly cast, and well executed. It might, however, put you off ever riding trains in Ireland!