Ryan's Daughter (1970)

David Lean’s Ryan’s Daughter is a sweeping romantic drama that showcases the grandeur of Ireland’s landscapes while telling an intimate, tragic love story. Released in 1970, this epic film, starring Sarah Miles, Robert Mitchum, Christopher Jones, Trevor Howard, and John Mills, is a visually arresting but divisive work. Following the immense success of Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Doctor Zhivago (1965), Lean embarked on what would become a challenging production, marked by extreme weather, on-set tensions, and a polarising critical reception. However, in the years since its release, Ryan’s Daughter has been reassessed as an underappreciated gem.

Plot Summary

Set in 1916 during the Irish War of Independence, the story follows Rosy Ryan (Sarah Miles), the headstrong daughter of a pub owner in a small coastal Irish village. Dissatisfied with her mundane life and yearning for passion, she marries the kind but reserved schoolteacher Charles Shaughnessy (Robert Mitchum). However, when a handsome but emotionally scarred British officer, Major Doryan (Christopher Jones), arrives in the village, Rosy embarks on a passionate affair with him. This illicit relationship has devastating consequences, as it stokes the ire of the tight-knit, nationalistic village, leading to betrayal, ostracisation, and tragedy. The film also features a remarkable performance from John Mills as Michael, the town’s simple-minded but perceptive village idiot, whose actions serve as both comic relief and poignant tragedy.

Cinematography and Visuals

One of Ryan’s Daughter’s most defining qualities is its breathtaking cinematography. Freddie Young, Lean’s frequent collaborator, won an Academy Award for his work in this film. The Irish landscapes, particularly the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, are captured with astonishing beauty, enhancing the film’s melancholic and passionate undertones. The use of natural lighting, sweeping vistas, and dramatic weather—including the film’s now-famous storm sequence—imbues the film with a painterly quality that almost makes the setting a character in itself. The visuals are reminiscent of the romantic paintings of J.M.W. Turner and Caspar David Friedrich, evoking a sense of sublime beauty that contrasts with the bleakness of the story.

Performances

Sarah Miles delivers a nuanced performance as Rosy Ryan, portraying her as both naïve and determined, passionate yet ultimately tragic. Robert Mitchum, best known for his tough-guy roles, plays against type as Charles, lending an understated, deeply compassionate quality to a character who might otherwise have been overshadowed by the more dramatic roles. Christopher Jones, in one of his final film performances, brings a brooding presence to Major Doryan, though his performance is hindered by post-dubbed dialogue. Trevor Howard is compelling as the strict but wise Father Collins, and John Mills gives an unforgettable, Oscar-winning performance as Michael, conveying a profound emotional depth without dialogue.

Themes and Symbolism

Ryan’s Daughter explores themes of love, betrayal, repression, and the clash between individual desires and societal expectations. The affair between Rosy and Doryan symbolises not just personal yearning but the larger conflicts at play—love versus duty, passion versus restraint. The village itself represents a microcosm of Ireland’s struggle for independence, with suspicion and rebellion shaping its moral compass. The film also critiques the dangers of communal judgement and mob mentality, showing how quickly a society can turn on one of its own when perceived moral transgressions are exposed.

Production Challenges and Critical Reception

The making of Ryan’s Daughter was famously troubled. Lean’s perfectionism led to a prolonged shoot, exacerbated by the unpredictable Irish weather. Christopher Jones struggled with his role, leading to conflicts on set. Upon its release, the film faced a lukewarm critical reception, with some accusing it of being too slow and self-indulgent. Additionally, its perceived melodramatic elements and old-fashioned storytelling did not resonate with audiences in the post-New Hollywood era. However, its technical achievements and emotional depth have since led to a critical reevaluation.

Legacy and Reassessment

Over time, Ryan’s Daughter has gained a more appreciative audience, especially for its cinematography and performances. While it may not reach the narrative heights of Lean’s previous epics, it remains a poignant, visually stunning film with a powerful emotional core. It stands as a testament to Lean’s commitment to cinematic beauty and storytelling, even if it did not receive immediate acclaim.

Conclusion

Ryan’s Daughter is a flawed but beautiful film that deserves a second look. Its rich performances, sweeping visuals, and tragic love story make it an unforgettable experience for those willing to embrace its deliberate pacing and romanticism. Though initially seen as a misstep in David Lean’s career, it has since earned its place as a unique and evocative entry in his filmography.