This Is the Sea Poster

This Is the Sea 1997

★ 5.76 votes100 min📅 1997-09-15

Directed by Mary McGuckian, *This Is the Sea (1997)* is a poignant Northern Irish drama set against the fragile peace following the 1994 ceasefire.

Director: Mary McGuckian

Cast

Samantha Morton
Samantha Morton
Hazel Stokes
Ross McDade
Malachy McAliskey
Richard Harris
Richard Harris
Old Man Jacobs
Gabriel Byrne
Gabriel Byrne
Rohan
John Lynch
John Lynch
Padhar McAliskey
Dearbhla Molloy
Dearbhla Molloy
Ma Stokes
Ian McElhinney
Ian McElhinney
Da Stokes
Marc O'Shea
Jef Stokes
Stella McCusker
Stella McCusker
Ma McAliskey
Mary McGuckian
Cathy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is This Is the Sea (1997) about?

This Is the Sea follows a forbidden romance between Hazel, a Protestant woman, and Malachy, a Catholic man, set in Northern Ireland after the 1994 ceasefire. Their relationship is tested by political extremism and family secrets, as external forces threaten to tear them apart.

Who directed This Is the Sea?

Mary McGuckian directed This Is the Sea, bringing her distinctive vision to this drama centered on love and conflict in post-ceasefire Northern Ireland.

Who stars in This Is the Sea?

The film features Samantha Morton, Ross McDade, Richard Harris, Gabriel Byrne, and John Lynch in key roles, delivering powerful performances against its politically charged backdrop.

Is This Is the Sea (1997) worth watching?

For fans of character-driven dramas with historical weight, This Is the Sea offers a gripping exploration of love and loyalty. While it's an underrated gem, its emotional intensity and thought-provoking themes make it a rewarding watch for those seeking substance over spectacle.

How long is This Is the Sea?

This Is the Sea has a runtime of 100 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About This Is the Sea (1997) — A Love Story Forged in the Fire of Political Strife

Directed by Mary McGuckian, *This Is the Sea (1997)* is a poignant Northern Irish drama set against the fragile peace following the 1994 ceasefire. The story follows Hazel, a Protestant woman, and Malachy, a Catholic man, whose blossoming romance is tested by the simmering tensions of their divided community. Their love story unfolds as political pressure mounts—from Rohan, a militant leader pushing Malachy to join the cause, and from Hazel's brother Jef, who secretly monitors their meetings. With a palpable sense of urgency and emotional depth, the film explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the cost of love in a fractured society.

Starring Samantha Morton and Ross McDade, *This Is the Sea* blends romance with the raw realities of post-conflict life, offering a gripping portrayal of two people caught between personal desire and the relentless pull of circumstance. The film's atmospheric tension and morally complex narrative make it a compelling watch for fans of character-driven dramas rooted in real-world stakes.