This Is the Sea Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: This Is the Sea
| Movie | This Is the Sea |
| Release Year | 1997 |
| Director | Mary McGuckian |
| Genre | Drama / Romance |
| Runtime | 100 minutes (1h 40m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is This Is the Sea (1997) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in This Is the Sea are led by Samantha Morton . The supporting cast, including Ross McDade and Richard Harris , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While This Is the Sea does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, This Is the Sea has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: This Is the Sea
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1997, This Is the Sea is a Drama, Romance film directed by Mary McGuckian, written by Mary McGuckian. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Samantha Morton as Hazel Stokes.
Ending Explained: This Is the Sea
This Is the Sea Ending Explained: The film is set in Northern Ireland shortly after 1994 cease-fire. Directed by Mary McGuckian, this 1997 drama film stars Samantha Morton (Hazel Stokes), alongside Ross McDade as Malachy McAliskey, Richard Harris as Old Man Jacobs, Gabriel Byrne as Rohan. With a 6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of This Is the Sea?
The film is set in Northern Ireland shortly after 1994 cease-fire. Hazel is a Protestant and Malachy a Catholic. Romance between them is threatened by Rohan (leader in militant underground and pal of Malachy's brother Padhar), who wants Malachy to be recruited and fight for the cause and by Hazel's brother Jef, who spies on her meetings.
Mary McGuckian's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Samantha Morton (Hazel Stokes)'s journey. Hazel is a Protestant and Malachy a Catholic.
How Does Samantha Morton (Hazel Stokes)'s Story End?
- Samantha Morton: Samantha Morton's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Ross McDade (Malachy McAliskey): Ross McDade's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Richard Harris (Old Man Jacobs): Richard Harris's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of This Is the Sea Mean?
This Is the Sea's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Samantha Morton may feel rushed. Mary McGuckian's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
This Is the Sea Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is This Is the Sea Based on a True Story?
No, This Is the Sea is a work of fiction. While the drama, romance film directed by Mary McGuckian and starring Samantha Morton may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch This Is the Sea?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Samantha Morton or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Where to Watch This Is the Sea Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoThis Is the Sea Parents Guide & Age Rating
1997 AdvisoryWondering about This Is the Sea age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of This Is the Sea (1997) is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Directed by Mary McGuckian, the film runs for 100 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, This Is the Sea is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1997 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Is the Sea worth watching?
This Is the Sea is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find This Is the Sea parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for This Is the Sea identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of This Is the Sea (1997)?
The runtime of This Is the Sea (1997) is 100 minutes (approximately 1h 40m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
