“I loved the merging of myth, religion, ethnicity and most importantly hope. The fact that the tale took place where it did also allowed for blend of story, cultural richness and a slice of life in an Irish fishing village. I was entertained and inspired.”

“Charming, lovely story with wonderful acting. This was a wonderful concept. Subtitles would help. His hometown was a great location choice. It reminds me of mine in Alaska. It was authentic.”

“Another emotional and charming Neil Jordan journey. I liked the weaving between reality and fantasy. Reminded me of magic realism. One big criticism, the sound was sometimes hard to understand because of language and mumbling.”

“This was a very good film up to the final 8-10 minutes. It was too neat and pat. Also, the sepia-toned action on the boat at night begged to be more visibly clear and more understandable. The end also felt very rushed and it was like heading towards a climax and being disappointed by an inappropriate ending. The actress playing Ondine was quite charming and attractive. The actress playing Alice was really wonderful even if her dialogue was over the top. Colin Farrell was adequate and appropriate; not a bad mix, but not a knockout either.”

“The film kept my attention and I became involved with the characters.”

“Fascinating and emotionally touching! Appealing cast. The female lead was most attractive. The young girl was great.”

“About the most beautiful woman to rise out of the sea since Bo Derek or Hale Berry in the Bond film.

“Needed English subtitles.”

“Loved it. One of the best first acts of a film I’ve ever seen. Really brilliant screenplay, direction and editing. The kid was terrific. I haven’t liked Neil Jordan’s past work. This really redeemed him. Great, great screenplay. Thanks!”

“Loved it!”

“Moody and beautifully slow-paced that took a while to grab me. Obvious chemistry between Colin Farrell and Ondine. It left me cold when the truth came out; I would have enjoyed the fantasy being carried out.”

“Lyrical story spun out of a wonderfully cinematic web.”

“Enjoyed the combination of Irish folk legend of the Selke.”

“A sweet Irish fairytale.”

“Charming film with terrific acting by the leads. Story is a little far-fetched, but the photography and the charm of the actors carried it.”

“A charming film. A very Irish film.”

Delightful mix of fairy tale and reality. That Irish countryside life by the sea may look idyllic but it is really a struggle just to stay alive and make a living. Throw in alcoholism and drug dealers and you have a contemporary drama. Throw in a happy ending – with a wedding no less – and the fairy tale goes on.”

“Beautiful cinematography. A once-upon-a-time fairy tale…and will they live happily ever after? We all want to hope so.”

“I wished for some subtitles here and there!”

“Charming and engaging. A lovely story.”

“Very engaging cross between fantasy and reality. Beautiful cinematography, wonderful music and the little girl was fantastic. I need to read up about Selkes.”

“There was a lot to like about this film. A piece of Irish yarn spinning where the severe realities were wrapped in a fairy tale (a collusion of the fisherman and his daughter). It reminded me of the magic realism of South American writers. The magic fell a little short and the realism was a bit dark, but what sunk it for me was the shot of Ondine and her land swan just chatting on the prow of his fishing boat.”

“Soo dark!”