That They May Face the Rising Sun, 2023.
Directed by Pat Collins.
Starring Barry Ward, Anna Bederke, Ruth McCabe, Lalor Roddy, and Sean McGinley.
SYNOPSIS:
Based on internationally acclaimed Irish author John McGahern’s award winning novel of the same name, That They May Face the Rising Sun is a vivid evocation of nature, humanity and life itself, set in a 1980’s rural community in Ireland.
Irish Cinema is having something of a moment at present with the likes of The Banshees of Inisherin, Lakelands and God’s Creatures all earning acclaim over the past year. Pat Collins has earned himself a credible reputation with his films Song of Granite, Silence and The Dance, and his latest is an adaptation of That They May Face the Rising Sun by acclaimed writer John McGahern, which tells the life of a year in the life of a rural Irish community.
From the start, there is a sense of calm and serenity brought on by the wonderful visuals. This is a perfect advert for a different side to Ireland and one not often glimpsed in contemporary cinema. Each shot is a work of art with many extended shots of the breath-taking landscape, almost feeling like a segment from a nature documentary. The visuals invite us in, making us feel like part of the community and giving us a sense of perspective on the importance of the area to the locals but also how isolating it might be.
The feel of calm is helped by its gentle pacing and the subtleness of its performances. Joe (Barry Ward) and Kate Ruttledge (Anna Bederke) have moved back to a small rural lakeside community following a stint in London and they act as our gateway into this close-knit cohort, with everyone seemingly knowing one another, inextricably linked. This is where Joe grew up and it’s clear he is adjusting to being back as we get to grips with the monotony of their daily lives and the bonds forged.
The film itself never feels repetitive with a warmth and earnestness to its central performances that keep it grounded. There is a clear sense of the importance of the local people, and the lead performances perfectly slot into place with a sense of calm even in some of the heavier moments, lending this extra weight. It feels like everyone has their own quirks and charms that help elevate things and make the location feel distinct.
That They May Face the Rising Sun is another triumphant film for Irish Cinema, offering a fine showcase for Pat Collins, and doing justice to its much-loved source material. It feels like a true reflection of the community being documented in the 1980s with a restrained and subdued feel to it that lends it more power. The performances are superb and the visuals bring the Irish countryside to life in a way few films previously have.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★/ Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Chris Connor
