Barry Ward (Joe) shines in this book adaption of That They May Face the Rising Sun, by John MacGahern. His presence, voice and expression strongly echoed Seamus Heaney for me, fresh off spending time at the Seamus Heaney Exhibit in Dublin.
Released this past weekend, this beautifully shot story is centered on a couple, writer Joe and artist Kate Rutlidge, who leave behind the rush of London living for a more peaceful pace and place to allow physical and mental space for the process of writing and creating for each of them, in the Irish countryside.
Without prior intent, yet manifesting their shared values of making the time to get to know and treasure neighbors become friends around them, they create a community, as influenced by the land around them as the people, quirks and hurts accepted.
Do they stay in the countryside when familial demands press forward, calling them back to London, or do they continue to bear the forged burdens and joys surrounding them: aging doesn’t care if the hay must be brought in, of a widow’s loneliness, or of a desire to retire.
I loved the characters, humor, poetry and landscapes. I loved the film. I highly recommend That They May Face the Rising Sun.
Director: Pat Collins;
Starring: Barry Ward; Anna Bederke; Story by: John McGahern; Producers: Tina O’Reilly, Brendan J. Byrne;
Running time: 1h 51m
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