Paddy Whelen is the central character in a small town drama set in Newfoundland. While the environment was effectively established, the drama was uneven in its approach to the long-standing feud within the community.
A multi-generational animosity has set in between two groups in the town. Paddy, who is of Irish extraction, feels that he and his clan are on the receiving end of discrimination. The Windsor boys continue to loathe the Whelens, and the result is an ongoing pattern of violence and tragedy.
Paddy's actions only poured fuel on the fire of the rivalry. His choices are recognized as ill-advised by his daughter Emma. She shrewdly understands that the death of her boyfriend Will could have been avoided if her father had been more measured in his reactions. Instead, he was provoked into escalating the feud.
The film's ending was especially disappointing, as it was unclear who was or was not killed in a final confrontation between Paddy and the Windsor brothers. A crucial character in the film, Emma virtually disappeared in the home stretch.
There was an admirable sense of authenticity in the depiction of the feud. But the filmmakers did not satisfactorily resolve the major dramatic issues they raised.
A multi-generational animosity has set in between two groups in the town. Paddy, who is of Irish extraction, feels that he and his clan are on the receiving end of discrimination. The Windsor boys continue to loathe the Whelens, and the result is an ongoing pattern of violence and tragedy.
Paddy's actions only poured fuel on the fire of the rivalry. His choices are recognized as ill-advised by his daughter Emma. She shrewdly understands that the death of her boyfriend Will could have been avoided if her father had been more measured in his reactions. Instead, he was provoked into escalating the feud.
The film's ending was especially disappointing, as it was unclear who was or was not killed in a final confrontation between Paddy and the Windsor brothers. A crucial character in the film, Emma virtually disappeared in the home stretch.
There was an admirable sense of authenticity in the depiction of the feud. But the filmmakers did not satisfactorily resolve the major dramatic issues they raised.