It is set in Ireland where the Mundy family have a few issues and are a bit short of money. Kate, (Meryl Streep) is the mother-hen to her sisters Christina (Catherine McCormack), who has a child (sometimes he narrates some of the story), then there is Maggie (Kathy Burke), Rose, who is a bit 'simple', and Agnes.Their elder brother comes home after a lifetime as a missionary in darkest Africa. He is a bit strange. Then the father of Michael (Christina's boy) Jerry, (Rhys Ifans) comes to say good-bye and announces that he will soon depart for the Spanish civil war. (it is about 1935)This is one of Ifans better roles. He is likable and pleasant. When he first comes, Kate says "He's not coming inside". But Christina rushes outside to meet him, and one of the other sisters says..."They look so happy together". Indeed they do. There is a touching scene as the couple gaze into each others eyes. Very sweet. Streep and McCormack are as usual, so real, they really become their characters, as does Ifans.Later, Rose is courted by a no-good local, "He loves me", she says, to the others protests.Lughnasa is an ancient festival that involves a lot of dancing, and the sisters join in enthusiastically.All the acting is great, and there is nothing wrong with the production and directing. Also, there are some especially good scenes, with memorable dialogue. I liked it.

I saw this play turned into a movie with my wife from a TIVO copy. We were so moved by its beauty, reality, pathos, characters, and what we took to be an authentic depiction of people and scenery in Ireland, at the time of the Spanish Civil War (1936), and of a certain simplicity in an insecure rural life, that I rushed upstairs to this computer to find out who wrote it--and what others may have made of it.I landed here--where several reviewers confirmed my belief that this is a "keeper". I will save it to be seen (and not to be missed) by all my children and grandchildren. I believe it is a rare chance to meet people whose world is very small, and often very plain, whose words you don't want to miss.

Ask yourself something... How many movies have you seen where all of the principal characters are women. Not too many I bet.This movie is a gem and definitely worth seeing.Takes place in rural Ireland in 1936 and consists of the dynamics and interpersonal relations of a group of 5 sisters, 1 brother, 1 son and a mostly absentee father.Outstanding cinematography, wonderful screenplay, good solid flavorful characters (even the few minor male roles - Michael Gambon steals the show every time he appears) and the cast ensemble just blends effortlessly.I would venture to bet that the people who didn't care for this movie, didn't like it because it isn't a happy "Joy-Joy" ending; In fact, it repeatedly lifts you up and takes you down again running the whole range of powerful emotions. Welcome to Life 101 ladies and gentleman! Life has it's bittersweet moments which give it meaning and substance.If you value character development and portrayal, then you'll love this movie just like I did.

This is a pretty film visually, and some of the acting was good. Although I have not seen the play on which it was based, it seemed to me that this would be better as a play than a film. My favorite films are those that make me think, or evoke strong emotions. This one did neither. It did have a nice aesthetic content, visually. And, Meryl Streep gave one of her usual masterful performances. But, I didn't care about any of the characters, except the little boy. The film just left me cold, and it didn't seem memorable.