KISSES World Cinema

On Christmas Day, Dylan (Shane Curry) a sullen, asthmatic 11-year-old boy living in a filthy slum in Dublin flees his father’s drunken violence. Along for the adventure is fellow 11-year-old Kylie (Kelly O’Neill), the bold, determined girl who lives next door The two hope to find Dylan’s older brother, who ran away from home two years earlier Instead, they learn lo their, and our, surprise, how deeply they love each other As a bonus, they discover something about “the musical God” for whom Dylan is named. Lance Daly wrote, directed and partially photographed this elegantly uncomplicated gem, winner of the best Irish feature award al Galway. He draws superlative performances from the two young leads, and creates a compelling image of Dublin that delicately alternates between the sordid and the magical , between washed-out black-and-white and gorgeous color KISSES is a strong sign of Ireland’s resurgent cinema, and ii even pays homage to one of its heroes: Keep an eye out for Neil Jordan veteran Stephen Rea’s charming uncredited cameo.