A Shine of Rainbows

PG

2009

1h 41m

Kids & Family

Drama

List

50%

10 Reviews

Tomatometer

70%

500+ Ratings

Audience Score

An extraordinary woman's lessons transform a lonely orphan's life.

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Mark B

This doesn't tread new ground but it has a good sense of believable consistency. There's nothing outstanding about the film except there's very much a feel good factor and an attractiveness about the location and filming. From the perspective of the protagonist there's a mixture of brutal reality and discovery with some added fantasy scenes, but more importantly it's easy to fall in line behind him as his supporter. It has some resemblance to 'Ring of Bright Water' and for that at least it's worth watching. Bring a box of tissues as well as the family.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/16/24

Full Review

Kate P

although a happy ending, if you like sad unhappy lonely friendless movies, this is for you. But not for me. NOT FAMILY FRIENDLY.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

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Audience Member

I watched this movie on boxxy software a few months ago. I think it's great! Made me cry almost from the start

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A fine film that offers sincerity and inspiration.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

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Audience Member

This is almost ridiculously syrupy sweet. Twee Ireland. check. Orphan boy. check. Spiritual undertones. check. Lifesaving baby seal. check. Lump in throat. check. (Don't judge me).

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is one of those movies that just captures your heart. Sweet Irish movie for the whole family. My 13 yr old loved it and so did I! This will become part of our permanent collection. This movie makes you believe that there is a little magic in every corner of your world and that Love can conquer all. Do not miss this film!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/10/23

Full Review

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Vic Sarin

Director

Connie Nielsen

Maire

Aidan Quinn

Alec

John Bell

Tomás

Jack Gleeson

Seamus

Tara Alice Scully

Nancy

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Hey, what's not to like about cute orphans, baby seals, sweet moms and gruff dads with hearts of gold? And rainbows? If your heart is going thumpety-thump at such a prospect, here is the movie for you.

Rated: 2.5/4

Apr 22, 2010

Full Review

Liam Lacey

Globe and Mail

A family film that risks drowning in its own syrup.

Rated: 2/4

Apr 9, 2010

Full Review

Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

Along with Nielsen's winning performance, both Aidan Quinn, in arguably the film's most complex role, and young John Bell give satisfying and memorable performances.

Rated: 2.5/4.0

Sep 23, 2020

Full Review

Kevin Carr

7M Pictures

The story is sweet and tender, and it's modestly self-contained. Sure, it deals with some heavy topics and subjects, but it doesn't beat the viewer over the head with it.

Rated: 3.5/5

Oct 14, 2013

Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

A fine family film about an orphan who finds a satisfying new life in the countryside of Ireland.

Rated: 3/5

May 23, 2011

Full Review

Bill Chambers

Film Freak Central

Gawd, this movie is so nauseatingly nice.

Rated: 0.5/4

Oct 5, 2010

Full Review

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Synopsis

An extraordinary woman's lessons transform a lonely orphan's life.

Director: Vic Sarin
Producer: John Hamilton, Morgan O'Sullivan
Screenwriter: Dennis Foon, Vic Sarin, Catherine Spear
Rating: PG (Some Thematic Elements|Smoking|Mild Peril)
Genre: Kids & Family, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 1, 2012
Runtime: 1h 41m

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