Ryan’s Daughter Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman marries a schoolteacher, gets bored, cheats with a shell-shocked soldier, and everyone yells a lot in beautiful scenery.

🍿 Ryan’s Daughter: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Remote Irish Village During WWI

The film opens in the isolated coastal village of Killary, Ireland, during World War I. Rosy Ryan, the daughter of the local pub owner Tom Ryan, yearns for a more exciting life beyond the confines of her small village. The villagers are largely nationalist, resenting the presence of British soldiers stationed nearby. The local priest, Father Collins, is a respected figure who observes the tensions within the community.

Marriage and Disillusionment

Rosy marries Charles Shaughnessy, the older, widowed schoolmaster, hoping he will bring sophistication and adventure to her life. However, she soon becomes disillusioned as their marriage lacks the passion she craves. Charles is a kind and intellectual man, but their relationship fails to satisfy Rosy’s romantic fantasies. The beauty of the Irish landscape provides a striking backdrop to Rosy’s growing discontent.

The Affair

Major Randolph Doryan, a British officer haunted by his experiences in WWI, arrives in Killary. Rosy is immediately drawn to him. They begin a passionate affair, meeting secretly amidst the rugged beauty of the Irish countryside. Their relationship becomes a symbol of the conflict between personal desire and societal expectations.

Discovery and Betrayal

Charles becomes aware of Rosy’s infidelity but remains silent, hoping the affair will run its course. However, their secret is exposed to the villagers. Simultaneously, Irish rebels, seeking to acquire weapons, involve Rosy’s father in their plans. He betrays them to the British, leading to a dramatic and tragic climax.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rosy Ryan (Sarah Miles): The romantic and restless daughter of a pub owner, seeking passion beyond her marriage.
• Charles Shaughnessy (Robert Mitchum): The older, widowed schoolmaster and Rosy’s husband, grappling with betrayal and his own limitations.
• Major Randolph Doryan (Christopher Jones): A shell-shocked British officer, whose arrival ignites a passionate affair with Rosy.
• Father Collins (Trevor Howard): The insightful and compassionate village priest, serving as a moral guide for the community.
• Thomas Ryan (Leo McKern): Rosy’s father and the local pub owner, who is also an informant, caught between loyalty and self-preservation.
• Michael (John Mills): The mute village idiot, an observant outsider who inadvertently influences the unfolding drama.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Father Collins: “Don’t nurse your dreams, Rosy. You can’t help having them, but don’t nurse them. Because if you nurse your dreams, they tend to come true.” – The local priest warns Rosy about the potential dangers of indulging in romantic fantasies, foreshadowing her future disappointment.
• Rosy Ryan: “There must be more!” – Rosy expresses her dissatisfaction with her mundane life and marriage, hinting at her desire for something more exciting and passionate.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $8,768

💥 Ryan’s Daughter Reviews

Personal Review

I first saw ‘Ryan’s Daughter’ on a rainy afternoon, and it completely transported me. The Irish landscape is breathtaking, and the story, while heartbreaking, is captivating. I was especially moved by Robert Mitchum’s portrayal of Charles – it’s so different from his usual roles! The storm scene is unforgettable; I was on the edge of my seat! It is a film that stayed with me long after the credits rolled.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of epic historical romances”
  • “Viewers who appreciate beautiful cinematography and sweeping landscapes”
  • “Those interested in stories set against the backdrop of Irish history”
  • “Robert Mitchum fans interested in seeing him in a different type of role”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Adultery”
  • “Violence and mob mentality”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Movie Gazette: “Lean’s epic vision is undeniable, showcasing Ireland’s raw beauty. However, the film’s length and pacing may test modern audiences. Mitchum delivers a nuanced performance against type, while Miles captures Rosy’s restless spirit. A visually stunning but emotionally uneven experience.
• Film Quarterly: “”Ryan’s Daughter” is more than just pretty scenery; it’s a study of societal constraints and personal desires. While Jones’ performance lacks depth, Mitchum and Miles shine. The film explores the complexities of love and betrayal, making it a thought-provoking, if lengthy, viewing experience.
• The Cinema Scope: “David Lean’s later work doesn’t quite hit the heights of his earlier epics, but “Ryan’s Daughter” is a complex film that explores the moral complexities of love and betrayal in a divided community.

Audience Reactions

The cinematography is stunning, showcasing the beauty and ruggedness of the Irish coast.: Viewers agree that the film’s visuals are its strongest point, praising the sweeping landscapes and dramatic storm sequence.

Robert Mitchum’s performance is a standout, showing his range as an actor.: Fans appreciate Mitchum’s subtle and understated portrayal of the cuckolded schoolteacher, a departure from his typical tough-guy roles.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning but lengthy melodrama with strong performances, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and societal constraints in a beautifully rendered Irish setting.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor)- 1971
2. Academy Award (Best Cinematography)- 1971

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “David Lean based the film loosely on Gustave Flaubert’s novel “Madame Bovary,” transposing the story to an Irish setting during World War I.”
• “The film’s production was plagued by bad weather, extending the shoot and driving up costs. Some scenes were eventually filmed in South Africa due to lack of sunshine in Ireland.”
• “Christopher Jones’ performance was heavily criticized, and his voice was dubbed by Julian Holloway in post-production due to Jones’ limited acting range and on-set difficulties.”
• “Robert Mitchum reportedly disliked the script and had conflicts with director David Lean during filming, which may have contributed to the film’s mixed reception.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ryan’s Daughter?

Ryan’s Daughter is available for rent or purchase on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, it is not included in any subscription streaming packages.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ryan’s Daughter, you might like these similar films:

• Doctor Zhivago (1965): Another David Lean epic romance set against a backdrop of war and revolution, exploring themes of love, loss, and societal upheaval.
• A Passage to India (1984): David Lean’s final film also explores themes of cultural clash, personal relationships strained by political tension, and the impact of colonialism.
• Barry Lyndon (1975): Stanley Kubrick’s historical drama, like Ryan’s Daughter, features stunning visuals and a complex romantic storyline set against the backdrop of historical conflict and social constraints.

🛒 Ryan’s Daughter Related Products

• Ryan’s Daughter [Blu-ray]: Experience the stunning visuals of ‘Ryan’s Daughter’ in high definition. This Blu-ray edition offers improved picture and sound quality, allowing you to fully appreciate Freddie Young’s Oscar-winning cinematography.
• Ireland Map Poster Vintage: An antique map of Ireland to hang on your wall.
• Irish Flag: Show your Irish pride with a high-quality Irish flag. Perfect for displaying indoors or outdoors, this flag is a symbol of Irish heritage and culture.

🎧 Soundtrack

Ryan’s Daughter features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Maurice Jarre
• “Rosy’s Theme” – performed by Maurice Jarre
• “Mary of the Curling Hair” – performed by Traditional

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ryan’s Daughter Film Location May 2001

Ever wondered where that stunning scenery in Ryan’s Daughter was filmed? This video takes you to the real-life locations in Ireland! It’s amazing to see how much the landscape played a role in bringing the story to life.

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