This Is the Sea

Based in Northern Ireland during the ceasefire between catholic and loyalist terrorist groups, this film brings together two people living completely separate ways of life. Hazel (Samantha Morton) is a sweet young protestant girl living in the countryside outside Belfast. Her mother's strong religious beliefs give little scope for Hazel to do her own thing, but she is helped by her less strict father and local friend of the family, Old Man Jacobs (Richard Harris) who accompanies her on trips to Belfast. Here she meets Malachy, a young catholic lad whose life is surrounded by those involved in terrorist groups, while he himself does his best to steer clear of it. Malachy falls for Hazel, but courtship is difficult. Fortunately, old Man Jacobs assists Hazel in her desire to meet up with Malachy, but is all as innocent as it looks? A contrast between a nice romance and the terrorist underworld, giving the impression that no matter who you are in Northern Ireland, terrorism is never far away from your doorstep.