Adapted from John McGahern's award-winning novel, this heartrending film tells the story of Michael Moran (Tony Doyle), a recalcitrant former IRA soldier in 1950s Ireland who struggles to raise his children alone after the untimely death of his wife. Though Michael truly loves his family, his unpredictable, at times violent behavior only serves to drive a greater wedge between him and the children as they grow into young adults.