The story of That They May Face the Rising Sun
That They May Face the Rising Sun unfolds in a small rural community somewhere in 1980s Ireland, where the rhythms of life move at their own unhurried pace. The film follows Joe and Kate, a couple whose quiet existence is woven into the fabric of their village—its people, its traditions, its unspoken codes. There's no grand conflict here, no ticking clock, no melodrama waiting in the wings. Instead, what Pat Collins offers is something rarer: a portrait of how ordinary people navigate the ordinary business of living, loving, aging, and facing mortality. Based on John McGahern's 2002 novel of the same name, the film trusts its audience to find meaning in small gestures, in the spaces between words, in the way light falls across a face. It's the kind of storytelling that doesn't announce itself.
Behind the making of That They May Face the Rising Sun
That They May Face the Rising Sun represents Pat Collins' first major narrative feature film, marking a significant step in the director's career. The project is an adaptation of the final novel written by acclaimed Irish author John McGahern, published in 2002—a work that had long been considered ripe for cinematic translation, though it took more than two decades to reach the screen. Collins brings considerable visual and sonic sensibility to the material, having previously worked in documentary and experimental forms, and that background shows in the film's meticulous attention to landscape and sound design.
The cast is anchored by Barry Ward in the lead role of Joe, with Anna Bederke as Kate. Supporting performances from Lalor Roddy, Sean McGinley, Ruth McCabe, Phillip Dolan, and John Olohan flesh out the community with the kind of specificity that makes a small village feel lived-in rather than constructed. The film's runtime of 111 minutes is generous enough to breathe—Collins doesn't rush his scenes, and there's no sense of padding either. At the 2024 Irish Film & Television Awards, That They May Face the Rising Sun took home Best Film, a significant honor that reflected the industry's recognition of the work. The film also accumulated 11 nominations across major Irish and international festivals, signaling that its quiet power had registered with serious film institutions. With a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score, critics have been notably aligned in their appreciation, though it's worth noting the film plays to a specific sensibility—one that values restraint over spectacle.
What makes That They May Face the Rising Sun stand out
There's something very potent about the Celtic habit of understating things. A few choice words, a bit of sarcasm, an invocation of nature or religion—coupled with perfectly judged facial expressions or shrugs—can reveal everything about how people actually live. What's striking is that Collins seems to understand this in his bones. He doesn't over-explain his characters or their motivations. When Joe and Kate move through their day, we're not told what they're feeling; we watch their hands, we listen to the silences between their words, we notice what they choose not to say. That restraint—it's the whole film.
Barry Ward's performance is a masterclass in subtlety. He doesn't play Joe as a man wrestling with demons or searching for redemption. He plays him as a man who gets up, does his work, cares for his wife and his community, and accepts what comes. It's not passive; it's grounded. The supporting cast, particularly Ruth McCabe and Sean McGinley, create a village that feels like a real place where real people have real relationships—not sketches or archetypes. What nobody mentions much is how funny the film is, in a dry, observational way. There are moments of genuine comedy buried in the everyday interactions, the kind of humor that emerges when you're not looking for it. Collins has spoken about the influence of Japanese cinema, particularly Yasujirō Ozu, and you can feel that influence in the way he frames domestic spaces and finds poetry in the ordinary. The film doesn't manipulate you emotionally; it simply shows you life, and lets you find your own way in.
Where to stream That They May Face the Rising Sun online
That They May Face the Rising Sun is currently available to stream on Prime Video, where you can rent or purchase the film depending on your preference. For the most up-to-date information on where this title is streaming—and to check if it's available on other platforms in your region—you can use the "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page. Movie OTT tracks current streaming availability across major services, so you'll always know where to find what you want to watch. If you're in the mood for more Irish cinema or literary adaptations, our streaming guides can help you discover similar titles across different platforms.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is That They May Face the Rising Sun based on a true story?
No, it's based on John McGahern's 2002 novel of the same name, which is a work of fiction. However, McGahern drew heavily on his own experience growing up in rural Ireland, so the world of the film has a deeply authentic feel.
Q: Who directed That They May Face the Rising Sun?
The film was directed by Pat Collins, an Irish filmmaker known for his documentary and experimental work. This is his first major narrative feature, and it won Best Film at the 2024 Irish Film & Television Awards.
Q: What is the runtime of That They May Face the Rising Sun?
The film runs for 111 minutes, giving Collins enough time to let scenes breathe and avoid rushing the story.
Q: Where can I watch That They May Face the Rising Sun?
The film is currently available on Prime Video. Check the Where to Watch widget on this page for the most current availability in your region.
Q: What's the critical reception for That They May Face the Rising Sun?
The film has been very well received. It holds a 97% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has an IMDb score of 7.6/10. It's also earned 3 wins and 11 nominations at major film festivals.
Final thoughts on That They May Face the Rising Sun
That They May Face the Rising Sun is the kind of film that doesn't try to be everything to everyone. It's deliberately paced, emotionally restrained, and rooted in a specific time and place. If you're looking for plot twists or conventional narrative arcs, you'll want to look elsewhere. But if you're willing to meet the film on its own terms—to sit with its characters, to listen to what they're not saying, to find beauty in the everyday—you'll find something genuinely moving. It's a film that trusts its audience. And in 2024, that's increasingly rare.", "metadata": { "keywords": ["That They May Face the Rising Sun", "Pat Collins", "John McGahern", "Irish cinema", "Prime Video", "Barry Ward"], "canonical_url": "https://movieott.com/movies/that-they-may-face-the-rising-sun" }
