A Shine of Rainbows
Metascore
52 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 4 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
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  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    63
    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.
  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Rob Nelson
    60
    Irresistibly good-natured even when it's cheesy.
  3. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by: Liam Lacey
    50
    Sincere performances and the beautiful gold-and-grey Donegal landscape can only go so far in A Shine of Rainbows, a family film that risks drowning in its own syrup.
  4. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Joshua Katzman
    50
    Modestly engaging despite several improbable, cornball moments.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. BenSkull
    9
    Here is a lovely, realistic and sensitive film shot with a Co: Donegal backdrop telling a common story of the time. Beautifully filmed in what could be called as Glorious Technicolor, it shows family life on Corry Island in a year gone by and reveals all the trial and tribulations of a couple unable to conceive a child of their own who adopt an orphan. The father (Aidan Quinn) does not take to the so-called runt of the litter but his adopted mother tries to bring him round.
    Great performances from Aidan Quinn, Connie Nielsen(the face of an angel), young John Bell and Jack Gleeson who plays the spoilt King Joffrey Baratheon from HBO's excellent 'Game of Thrones'. All in all, a great family movie with a moving story sure to tug at anyone's heart-strings..well worth a watch, if only to see the beautiful and ragged Donegal coastline.
    Co-incidently, some scenes were filmed at Portrush(Co:Derry), Five Finger Strand, Malin Head, St. Conal's Hospital, Letterkenny and the old schoolhouse in Cooley, Moville.    … Full Review »
  2. NicoDaFlagburna
    7
    Solid adult fantasy that is charming but fails to probe the depths of the human psyche in response to fostering. The focus of the film is the beauty of nature which includes death, the role of the family and the physical countryside but there is a sense of detachment which is cold and unromantic. Unfortunately it means that the film is forgettable, though the Irish coast is notably breath-taking as setting. Paradoxically disappointing and worthwhile. 67/100… Full Review »
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