With a script by McGovern (Priest, Hillsborough) we know the story is going to turn very dramatic indeed. And as the Great Depression merges with the rise of socialism and fascism in Europe, this little family gets caught up in the events in a deeply moving way. The actors are superb, especially the feisty Hackett and the troubled Burns (in a remarkable debut); Ian Hart is terrific as ever, although I couldn't help but feel he was slightly miscast--too young to play the father of teenagers. Very like Angela's Ashes, the film has a cute little boy at the centre; although no great shakes as a child actor, Borrows is a charming, adorable, effective presence. In the end, the fine cast, solid production design and thoughtful dramatic power of the story make the film worth seeing. But there's nothing earth-shatteringly new here.