The acting was terrific, but the story itself was dreadfully depressing. And while the scenery was spectacular it left this viewer never wanting to set foot in Ireland, if, indeed, the movie is a metaphor for Ireland and its people. As a first generation American, either the Irish deserve better, or I now understand better why my parents left 75 years ago. All I can say is I am sorry I wasted my time. No amount of beautiful scenery and cute animals can make up for a miserable, ludicrous, bang you over the head with its heavy symbolism, movie. And it doesn’t deserve one star, but I had to give it one star to write this review.