Young Irish Girl Steals the Show

Rating: 9/10 (22 January 2008)

Saoirse Ronan, who was 12 when the film was shot, may have solidified the best performance by a child since Jodie Foster(Taxi Driver) and should win the Academy Award. She is absolutely mesmerizing as the young Briny Tallis, and while there is good chemistry between Knightley and McAvoy Ronan carries the film. This is not an Anna Paquin performance or the girl in Whale Rider being touching in that film. Saoirse is Briny Tallis just as Daniel-Day Lewis is whoever he plays. Move over Dakota Fanning and the rest of Jr. Hollywood because this girl is the real deal. I'd love to see her take the path of Jodie Foster, and not sell out like so many do. Stay in Ireland Saoirse!! Go to college and hone your craft. Talk to Mr. Day-Lewis if you have to.