A Shine of Rainbows

2009 Drama

A young boy struggles to find love and acceptance with his new family in this drama from director Vic Sarin. Tomas (John Bell) is an eight-year-old orphan living in a home for children without parents on an island off the Irish coastline. Tomas has become a target for bullies and knows little peace at the orphanage, so he's overjoyed when he's adopted by Maire O'Donnell (Connie Nielsen), a lovely and caring woman who takes the boy under her wing. However, while Maire shows Tomas plenty of kindness, the same cannot be said for her husband, Alec (Aidan Quinn), who doesn't hide his disappointment with his frail new son. As Tomas tries to understand Alec and live up to his expectations, he finds a baby seal on the beach, and begins caring for the abandoned animal, showing it the compassion he's longed for in his own life. A Shine of Rainbows was an official selection at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. more..

Director: Vic Sarin

Starring: Connie Nielsen, Aidan Quinn, John Bell, Tara Alice Scully, Jack Gleeson

Reviews

  • A sweet, good-looking film about nice people in a beautiful place, and young John Bell is an appealing performer in the tradition of the Culkins. Quinn and Nielsen are pros who take their roles seriously, and Vic Sarin's direction gets the job done.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    29 November 2012

  • Irresistibly good-natured even when it's cheesy.

    - Variety

    29 November 2012

  • Modestly engaging despite several improbable, cornball moments.

    - Chicago Reader

    29 November 2012

  • A sweet, good-looking film about nice people in a beautiful place, and young John Bell is an appealing performer in the tradition of the Culkins. Quinn and Nielsen are pros who take their roles seriously, and Vic Sarin's direction gets the job done.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    19 January 2013

  • Irresistibly good-natured even when it's cheesy.

    - Variety

    19 January 2013

Awards

  • Live-Action Feature Film or Video - English Language

    Chicago International Children's Film Festival (2009)

  • Best Screenplay, Adapted

    Genie Awards (2011)

     
  • Best Dramatic Feature

    Heartland Film Festival (2009)

  • Best Original Score

    Irish Film and Television Awards (2010)

     
  • Best Screenwriting in a Feature Length Drama

    Leo Awards (2010)