There are people in this world with what could be called "hearts of gold". One such person is Mary O'Donnell, the attractive woman who is unable to have children. Adoption is her way of sharing her love with the child she could not have. When she visits the orphanage, Mary falls in love with Tomas, a young boy with an unhappy look in his face.
The arrival in Corrie is not exactly what Mary was expecting. Her husband, Alec, does not know how to deal with the boy. Mary shows incredible patience with Tomas, as she tries to acquaint him with the new home. She takes him to the beach where she teaches the boy how to call the seals that populate the waters nearby. Mary promises that by whispering to these animals, they have the power to bring whatever messages are trusted to them to the right persons. Tomas realizes how much he owes to Mary; he wants to call her 'mom', something that brings happiness to her.
Unfortunately, happiness is short lived because Mary is a sick woman. She has to be taken to the hospital. Tomas' heart is broken because losing Mary will only mean one thing, he will be returned to the orphanage and his old life again. Little does he know that Alec learns to accept him, and eventually love him as his own son.
The film is directed by Vic Sarin, who also contributed with Catherine Spear and Dennis Foon to the adaptation of the novel by Lillian Beckwith. It is a feel good movie in spite of the tragedy Tomas experiences at such a young age. The message is basically how love given to a complete stranger can transform people in such a positive way. While Tomas seems to be the one that has to gain the most, it is his adoptive father Alec the ones that benefits because the love Mary brought to the situation.
Connie Nielsen makes a wonderful Mary O'Donnell. Ms. Nielsen is a welcome addition to any film in which she graces with her personality. Aidan Quinn spends most of the film being in a foul mood as he cannot accept the presence of a stranger in his own home. The boy actor John Bell appears to be a natural. The setting of Corrie island adds another layer to the film. The gorgeous photography by its director Vic Sarin is a pleasure to watch. Keith Porter contributed with the musical score.
The arrival in Corrie is not exactly what Mary was expecting. Her husband, Alec, does not know how to deal with the boy. Mary shows incredible patience with Tomas, as she tries to acquaint him with the new home. She takes him to the beach where she teaches the boy how to call the seals that populate the waters nearby. Mary promises that by whispering to these animals, they have the power to bring whatever messages are trusted to them to the right persons. Tomas realizes how much he owes to Mary; he wants to call her 'mom', something that brings happiness to her.
Unfortunately, happiness is short lived because Mary is a sick woman. She has to be taken to the hospital. Tomas' heart is broken because losing Mary will only mean one thing, he will be returned to the orphanage and his old life again. Little does he know that Alec learns to accept him, and eventually love him as his own son.
The film is directed by Vic Sarin, who also contributed with Catherine Spear and Dennis Foon to the adaptation of the novel by Lillian Beckwith. It is a feel good movie in spite of the tragedy Tomas experiences at such a young age. The message is basically how love given to a complete stranger can transform people in such a positive way. While Tomas seems to be the one that has to gain the most, it is his adoptive father Alec the ones that benefits because the love Mary brought to the situation.
Connie Nielsen makes a wonderful Mary O'Donnell. Ms. Nielsen is a welcome addition to any film in which she graces with her personality. Aidan Quinn spends most of the film being in a foul mood as he cannot accept the presence of a stranger in his own home. The boy actor John Bell appears to be a natural. The setting of Corrie island adds another layer to the film. The gorgeous photography by its director Vic Sarin is a pleasure to watch. Keith Porter contributed with the musical score.