Tim Danby

The film is too derivative stylistically and uses elements from 'The Third Man' and 'Casablanca ' specifically and well.as the German 'Rubble-films". The story line itself is strong, but overall the film feels over-arty in my opinion. 'Alone in Berlin' early versions, seem much more powerful to me and not so concerned with style.

I watched the film last night in Kilburn Kiln after years ago being spell bound by the book and also moved by hearing John McGahern on radio and in real, reading from this novel. I thought it would be hard to capture the beauty of his words in cinema. I was not disappointed at all with the film, in fact the opposite it was a powerful and slow moving just like the book. I've only been to Ireland once and no particular deep connection with it, but that did not matter. The book/films subject matter is universal. I have just returned from Lincolnshire where I grew up having lived in London now well over 40 years, so it totally resonated . I agree with most of the reviews which were very positive. I also think that the character of Kate seemed the least three-dimensional. The film celebrates Nature and it's seasons just like the book. I think this is a real achievement. But is equally powerful about the interior emotions of the characters. Like many of the other reviewers, I'd be happy to re-watch, which in my view is a,sign of a good book or film. I thoroughly recommend anybody to watch it as it works on so many levels. I came out of the Cinema feeling like I'd been some where else.

It combines a unique combination of humour with open honest talk between men.