Dancing At Lugnasa

VHS, PG, 92 minutes, COLUMBIA / TRI STAR

Two-time Academy Award-winner Meryl Streep stars in this beautifully crafted ensemble drama from director Pat O'Connor ("Circle of Friends") adapted from the internationally acclaimed play by Brian Friel. Rural Ireland, 1936. It's a pivotal time for the five unmarried Mundy sisters. Europe is on the brink of war, their small village is on the verge of incredible change and the sisters have troubles of their own. The head of the household is the imperious, eldest sister Kate (Meryl Streep), barely holding the family together with income from her teaching job. Her sisters, saintly caretaker Agnes (Brid Brennan); the simple-minded Rose (Sophie Thompson); earthly Maggie (Kathy Burke) and the romantic Christine (Catherine McCormack) all do piecework and odd jobs to support themselves and Christine's beloved illegitimate young son Michael. Into their lives come two men who threaten to disrupt this delicate family union: Michael's errant father Gerry (Rhys Ifans) and the sisters' brother (Michael Gambon), a mentally unbalanced priest returning from decades of missionary work in remote Africa. Despite their hardships, the sisters are able to embrace life and all its complexities and dance with joy in their hearts. "Dancing At Lughnasa" is a poignant drama featuring brilliant ensemble acting, gorgeous photography and music by Grammy Award-winning composer Bill Whelan ("Riverdance").