My Sailor, My Love (2022) User Reviews

A contemplative drama of familial grievances

[steveinadelaide · 7/10 · 4 September 2023]

My Sailor, My Love is a movie that revolves around an autumnal romance intertwined with familial issues. Howard (James Cosmo) is a retired sailor and widower who resides in a seaside house. Howard's daughter, Grace (Catherine Walker), hires a mature female carer named Annie (Brid Brennan). As Howard and Annie develop a romantic relationship, Grace is gradually excluded, and the complexities that arise become the movie's central focus.

The movie starts lightheartedly but gradually transitions toward an increasingly thorny tone, depicting flawed and complex characters portrayed by a cast of senior actors. The performances by the actors are strong, and the dialogue is sharp realistic, and reveals the characters' emotions and motivations. Although some lines are overly dramatic, the story's contemplative nature and slow pace suit the movie's overall tone. The cinematography captures the beauty of the Irish setting, which adds to the movie's appeal.

If you enjoy slow-paced dramas with senior actors and are interested in exploring familial issues and romance, My Sailor, My Love is worth a watch.

Great characters beautifully filmed

[tm-sheehan · 8/10 · 4 September 2023]

My Review - My Sailor My Love In Cinemas now. My Rating. 8/10

Irish Cinema is booming at the moment I think it's because it manages to combine simple entertaining human interest stories with relatable characters that resonate with discerning audiences who are tired of violence or action hero cardboard cut out characters in movies devoid of any pathos or humour .

My Sailor My Love has the look and mood of European cinema not surprising as this movie is a combined project of Irish and Finnish and Belgium cinema .

Skilfully directed by Klaus Haro who received the Ingmar Bergman Award in 2003 and was chosen by Ingmar Bergman himself.

This is a mature age love story filmed in County Mayo on the Galway Coast with three excellent finely nuanced performances from James Cosmo who plays Howard an elderly retired sea Captain , Catherine Walker cast as Grace his complex and possessive daughter who employs Annie as a housekeeper to her gruff and unapproachable father.

Annie is delightfully played by Brid Brennan who I recall from movies like Brooklyn 2015 and Dancing at Lughnasa 1998.

The trio of characters in this story bring with them a suite of complex emotions the daughter Grace has deep unresolved issues from childhood when Howard her sea captain father went to sea leaving her with her unwell mother.

Grace now sole carer of her father at the expense of her own marriage employs Annie as housekeeper against her fathers wishes then becomes bitterly resentful when Annie usurps her role and manages what she can't do to thaw out her fathers withdrawn and austere attitude to life.

Annie is a compassionate widow and Grandmother who soon shows the rough and rude Howard when he offers her more money than Grace to stay away and not come back that she can manage very well without the abuse of another male in her life .

Set in Achill Island and County Mayo this movie is a joy to watch the score by Michelino Bisceglia is so effective and the screenplay by Jimmy Karlsson and Kirsi Vikman is excellent .

I'm so glad independent movies with great casts and relatively modest production budgets that feature great actors that are not necessarily huge box office names can still be made.

Beautiful film about relationships

[dakjets · 8/10 · 22 April 2023]

Fortunately, similar films are still being made, such as My Sailor, My Love. Movies about human relationships never become boring or bland when they are made with good heart. Like this movie.

The main story in this film is about finding love in old age. This particular part of the film is beautifully filmed, and a fairly straight-forward story, without too many complications. But there is an additional story that weaves in, the older man's difficult and partly turbulent relationship with his own daughter. If I am going to criticize something about the film, there must be a lot of unresolved issues that I was left with regarding the father-daughter relationship. Here there is much that we do not get answers to, only that the relationship has become strained and that the daughter has her own explanations for this. Without this being explored any further in the film.

Nevertheless, this film succeeds in telling a lovely story. And I have to include it; filmed in fantastic surroundings along Ireland's coast.

My Sailor, My Love

[CinemaSerf · 7/10 · 26 March 2023]

James Cosmo is quite good here in one of his few leading roles. He is "Howard", a curmudgeonly old gent who lives alone - washing his smalls in the kitchen sink and caring little about anything but his crossword puzzle. His daughter "Grace" (Catherine Walker) is at the end of her tether, so she employs local lady "Annie" (Brid Brennan) to do a bit of housekeeping for him. He is not at all keen on this arrangement; indeed is so rude as to have her walk out on him, but a few of her more homely touches make him begin to realise that the pit into which his life has slid is perhaps not the only solution. Pretty quickly the two are getting on like an house on fire and gradually this causes a degree of chagrin for the daughter who sees her own role in his life beginning to become less crucial - as she, herself, is watching her own marriage disintegrate. Can they all find a way to make things work? It's a gentle romance this film, with some enjoyable and poignant performances from the three principals that highlights how people cope with grief, loneliness and opportunity. Director Klaus Härö allows the talent to deliver a considered series of portrayals that marry the happy and the sad in a plausible fashion. I can't say I loved the ending. Though perfectly realistic, it seemed a little unnecessary to me - but you be the judge. It doesn't need a cinema screen, but is well worth watching the loads of experience at character acting ooze from Brennan and Cosmo.

Lovely, gentle and poignant

[sue-06239 · 8/10 · 26 July 2023]

Having just had the all-clear from a biopsy result after 10 days of stress and worry, I wanted to sit with my husband and a bottle of wine and watch something with lovely scenery and a bit of romance.

This is a lovely story of romance in later life that gives people a reason to enjoy life again. Very well acted by James Cosmo, a well known character actor for years, shining in this leading role.

A grizzled old sea captain widower is brought back to living again hen his troubled daughter hires a local woman to be his housekeeper. Initially reluctant and rude, he soon develops feelings for her, which are reciprocated, much to the dismay of his daughter. The housekeeper, however, has a loving family who embrace the couple's relationship.

Some issues are not fully explored in terms of his fractious relationship with his daughter.

Overall it's a lovely, gentle film that embraces older people as capable of falling in love and finding a new lease of life.

well acted family drama

[Jaffaroll · 7/10 · 3 September 2023]

This is another interesting Finn-Irish film. English dialogue. It is set on Achill island on the west of Ireland and the scenery captured by the cinematography is one of the stars. The story is a tad manipulative and predictable with a quickly malleable, reclusive curmudgeon, Howard (James Cosmo) having a housekeeper, Annie (Brid Brennan) thrust upon him. There is some dysfunction and 'history' in the family and all is not plain sailing. However, the movie is lifted by excellent acting and direction and as a family drama it is better than many around. There is some complexity and pain, leavened by the developing affection of the protagonists. Some discomfort, some uplifting and affecting moments. Definitely worth a trip to the pictures.

Very beautiful

[n-abediny · 10/10 · 14 March 2023]

This movie touches your heart and soul. The romance between 2 main characters is so beautiful. A great demonstration of pure love which cant be limited by age or other people opinions. It makes you feels better about being old or as it reminds you that you can experience great emotions and life events at any age.

I enjoyed every second of this movie, and the music and sceneries were wonderful. I totally recommend watching it in a cinema to fully feel the beauty of the irish narure on the big screen.

I wish this movie can be properly recognized by the film critics and media and film competitions.

A Smart Romantic Drama That Avoids Being Sappy

[brentsbulletinboard · 8/10 · 18 October 2022]

When a retired, curmudgeonly, self-centered Irish sea captain has trouble caring for himself, his overprotective, controlling daughter hires a new housekeeper to tend to his needs, a move the fiercely independent protagonist initially resents. However, before long, the once-tentative relationship blossoms into something more substantial, a move the skipper's daughter questions and grows to resent. So how will this fundamental dilemma be resolved? That's the central question raised in director Klaus Härö's latest effort, a well-crafted, if occasionally predictable, romantic drama reminiscent of the similarly themed "Nobody Has to Know" (2021). Set against the sweeping Irish seacoast, this beautifully photographed backdrop provides the perfect stage for this heartfelt saga, one that verges on a tearjerker at times but never slides into a sappy, melodramatic, manipulative hanky fest. In large part this is due to the restrained but powerful performances of James Cosmo and Brid Brennan, who keep their characters real without becoming sentimental, histrionic caricatures. Add to this a finely polished soundtrack, and you've got a quality cinematic offering that deserves a look for a variety of reasons.

A very sweet film

[kdycekd · 8/10 · 16 July 2023]

I actually really enjoyed this film, which is not something I say often about modern films. I do like James Cosmo, and this is probably one of my favourite parts he plays. It's not his usual role, but he plays it perfectly. The acting is understated but convincing, there is actually believable chemistry between the leads. It's also very refreshing to have leads played by older actors. Modern cinema is full of young, fit and nubile actors so it's a welcome change to watch actors who actually have faces with character. It's sweet without being too silly and sentimental, and of course it's not the happiest of endings... but at least you can empathise with the characters and feel something for them, again something lacking in most modern films.an enjoyable watch.

Great Movie

[elisaa-63297 · 10/10 · 8 July 2023]

I have been wanting to see this movie ever since it was released. I finally rented it on Amazon Prime. Every one of the actors was brilliant. You get emotionally invested right from the beginning. It really was believable and I'm sure lots of people could relate to this story. I know I could. It's great to see a movie which isn't totally "Hollywood " if you get what I mean. Plus you get to see the beautiful scenery of Ireland. I really can't find any fault with this film. I'm not sure what else I can add, however, it seems that you now have to have a minimum amount of words? Anyway, I highly recommend this movie.

Heartbreakingly beautiful

[percyporcelain · 10/10 · 4 January 2024]

It's not often I see a film that I get tearful just remembering, but that's "My Sailor, My Love". Doesn't really hit you till the last 10 minutes but boy, will you need a box of Kleenex then. I can't remember such emotional honesty or truthfulness in a film for a long time, if ever. It just resonates perfectly throughout, never making a false move or jarring, never too slow nor too fast, with perfect pace and rhythm, constantly intriguing and rearranging your sympathies so no character is all good or all bad. In the end I felt deeply sorry for Grace (Catherine Walker), the daughter, who was clearly damaged by her absent father as a child. But hey, doesn't that go with the turf for a sailor, so can you really blame the father (James Cosmo)? Exquisite landscapes, beautifully photographed, altogether sensitive and moving.

My Sailor My Love - Worthwhile Journey

[krocheav · 8/10 · 28 February 2024]

Highly respected Finish director Klaus Harro brings his quiet, controlled professional guidance to this introspective modern study of Familial intrigues and complexities from youth to older age. Writers Jimmy Karlson and Kirisi Vikman bring a sharp and thoughtful observation to this slice of life work. It's pleasing to find that films of this nature and depth remain being made in this era of superficial cartoon heroes and action fodder, churned out for largely uninvolved 'kids' of all ages.

Strong performances are essential for stories without CGI wizardry and non-stop action, and this cast of mature-aged players certainly keep the flow of emotions on track from first frame to last. In fact, right from the first scene (Catherine Walker in a group therapy session) you know an emotional tour de force may be on its way. All the carefully selected players are totally convincing as they bring the layers of complex relationships into the viewer's understanding. The dialog is intelligent, with the viewer needing to devote attention in following, lest you miss a vital line (having the ability to rewind is helpful) so DVD or Home Cinema set-ups can help with this.

Striking wide screen vistas of the Irish Coastline captured by Robert Nordstrom (The Disciple '13) are a joy to take in on a larger screen. Award winning Belgium born (of Italian parents) Michelino Bisceglia supplies the descriptive (classic inspired) score. Even Finbar Furey delivers an unannounced song. Lovers of Bergman studies are more inclined to run with this one, as well as O'Neil devotees. Some have disagreed with the time devoted to certain character changes, but they are in keeping when each characters back stories are fully known.

Polished viewing for discerning viewers. Younger audiences may not be as appreciative.

The Past Often Haunts the Present

[perth70 · 8/10 · 5 April 2024]

And old sea captain and daughter are embittered by a difficult past. One tried fleeing from it, the other forced to face it alone. Both remain infected. The dutiful yet deeply depressed daughter inadvertently throws her aged father a lifeline. She hires a housekeeper to take care of her grumpy Da and his remote house. This older woman is full of life and family and the beguiling charm of a happy Irishwoman. Love blooms in winter. The daughter so accustomed to her grim responsibilities takes exception.

A challenging study in the realities of old age, depression and last chances.

Actors who know their craft and writers who do not gild their lillies portray life as they find it.

Beautiful and Moving

[stigerrachel · 10/10 · 12 March 2024]

James Cosmo deserves so many more leading roles. He is so impressively convincing as "Howard", a widowed curmudeon who lives alone. He expertly conveys all aspects of Howard's personality and the complexity of his emotions, his relationship with his daughter, his inward and outward worlds. The chemistry between James and Brid is so moving and heartwarming. This movie had my whole family in tears, blubbering by the end. The actors were phenomenal, and it truly feels like you're watching someone's life as a fly on the wall. To watch Howard and Annie fall in love was an honor. I highly recommend this movie.

Wonderful, touching story

[unsell-13127 · 9/10 · 7 April 2024]

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Innocent, yet realistic portrayal of two people in the wintertime of their lives. Family dynamics, past hurts, regrets, and struggles aside, a burst of light breaks through life's clouds in this charming and touching story of Howard and Annie. Beautifully filmed, written, and directed. I wish there were more movies like this one. Set on the lush coastline of Ireland, "My Sailor, My Love" takes you to a place of simplicity and emotion, and causes the viewer to really care about all the characters and their individual experiences and feelings. It definitely doesn't disappoint.

Well Written, Acted and Directed Bittersweet Tale

[pc95 · 8/10 · 25 April 2024]

One of the better movies of late, director Klaus Haro's 'My Sailor, My Love' does a great job with an obviously terrific screenplay by choosing a capable cast of actors in this tale of family push and pull. Not one castmember gave a poor performance, and the characters and relationships were honest, real, and three dimensional feeling. I actually liked Catherine Walker's performance as daughter Grace quite alot as stand-out. Her character certainly shoulders a heavy burden, and has multi-faceted identifiable stresses. (spoiler) Her late scene with Brid Brennan's character Annie invokes strong catharsis. Finally must also mention very good cinematography to match the dramatic material. Recommended - 8/10.

Boats Against The Current . . . .

[sundayatdusk-97859 · 8/10 · 22 April 2024]

Howard is a retired Merchant Navy captain who lives alone on the sea in Ireland. His wife drowned years earlier, and his daughter Grace visits when she can get away from her job as a nurse. On one of her visits, Grace is overwhelmed by the messy house, and hires an older caretaker named Annie.

Annie turns out to be more than a caretaker and housekeeper. She brings light into Howard's dark world and they eventually fall in love. This terribly upsets Grace. Why? Because she is a classic martyr. Due to her turbulent childhood, caring for a depressed mother, while her father was out to sea, she sees her life solely as a dedicated caregiver.

The only thing is, like all martyrs, she lies to herself and to others about her motives. She does not want the best for her father. She does not want to see him having fun with Annie and Annie's family. She wants to see him in a nursing home where his life is totally controlled by nurses, like herself, and the end would obviously be not too far off. She would also constantly visit, and ask many questions about his care, to try to prove to others, as well as herself, how much she truly cared about her father.

Her father, on the other hand, is aloof with Grace because she stopped meeting his ships as a child, and he blames her for that; because he then doesn't have to blame himself for staying away from his mentally ill wife, as much as he possibly could. Annie notices how he treats Grace and questions his behavior, but she truly loves him and wants him to be happy. He makes her happy, too.

Unfortunately, Grace does not realize until it is too late that Annie may have helped her deal with her repressed anger, and may have provided a happier ending for everyone. But then martyrs don't really want happy endings, don't want to see all conflict resolved. If that happened, they would have to give up their martyrhood, and their entire life would seem meaningless. The parting shot in this film is the wild and beautiful sea, as it should have been.

Complicated relationship movie in Ireland.

[TxMike · 14 April 2024]

Filmed and set in Ireland, James Cosmo, in his 70s, is Howard, former sailor and now retired to his remote home. His wife, who suffered from depression, died years earlier. He lives alone and his 40-something daughter, a nurse, checks on him periodically. He doesn't seem to welcome her visits and his home is a total mess.

So the daughter hires help, a local lady to come in two days a week. She is played by 60-something Brid Brennan as Annie. At first Howard makes it clear that he'd rather her not come, but eventually he softens up when he realizes she is good company.

The adult daughter is played by Catherine Walker as Grace. She too is having personal issues and she and her husband don't always have time to communicate properly.

As the story develops we see that there are some deep family issues, plus some issues Howard is having that he fails to share. It is all plausible, elderly parents and their adult children can have difficulty with issues that represent a wedge. In fact I have five adult children and there are wedges.

My wife and I watched it at home, streaming on Amazon Prime. Not a happy or uplifting movie but suitably interesting. The acting and cinematography are excellent.