User reviews

Òran na h-Eala (2022) is a film that explores Moira Shearer's decision to star in the cult classic The Red Shoes (1948) and how her life was affected by it. Overall this was a very powerful and insightful short. I was incredibly impressed and thorough engaged!

The cinematography was beautiful with some really strong colour palettes; every shot was impressive! The lighting was soft and dreamlike and it felt very unique. The framing choices were intriguing too and felt super artistic, along with the hypnotic camerawork, this made the short consistently pleasing to the eye!

I loved the music used in the short too! The songs and lyrics helped tell a story and develop the character even further, I've found myself listening to the songs used quite a bit!

The acting was flawless from everyone who took part, and the performances portray a lot of emotion! Shannon Davidson was a brilliant and talented fit for her role and had me captivated throughout. Also, the dialogue was well written too which helped alongside the great performances.

Lastly the story is clear and easy to follow along with. The pacing is very consistent and steady, meaning the short flowed well and didn't feel too short or too long.

The acting was flawless in this short film with lots of emotions that had me deeply invested into every word she spoke. I'm glad they got the right actress for this, it's some big shoes to fill and she deserves awards just for this performance alone. The story is easy to follow along if you have no idea about Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's, The Red Shoes thankfully you can still understand what's happening but it's still neat to watch The Red Shoes either before or after this film to really appreciate it all. I'm so impressed and loved everything this short film. From the soundtrack, props and to the ending. Such detail, such love put into this film. I'm inspired.

Fascinating! I've always loved red shoes and thankfully this short film didn't disappoint. I liked the use of the zoom at certain shots to emphasize certain moments of her situation. The angles were done just right, felt like I was there watching her. I also think this wouldn't have been as big without Shannon Davidson - the resemblance to Moira Shearer is uncanny. Director did great! Can't wait to see what they get up to next.

I have to say Steve Exeter did an exceptional job making this. If you're a fanatic of the movie "The Red Shoes" like I am then this is a must watch. Shannon Davidson's performance just blew me away right from the start from her confidence to her perfectly done makeup - just like Moira Shearer. Nothing was rushed from the looks of it, the editing, sound and the dialogue. Spot on! This is indeed award winning, I hope they get more eyeballs on this short film.

"The Red Shoes", an English classic from 1948, has endured as an unforgettable film for several decades since its release. Directors, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger made a film star out of the ever-gorgeous Moira Shearer, an up-and-coming Ballerina of the time. Her casting made perfect sense because their protagonist was also an aspiring Prima Ballerina. Moira was their ideal fit to the point of obsession. They pursued her for over a year before she finally agreed to accept the part.

The short film is just under 15 minutes long, yet it manages to touch our hearts by echoing the atmosphere of the role of Vicky Page and comparing it expressionistically to the very woman who brought her to life on the screen. Playing that pivotal role of Moira Shearer is Shannon Davidson, who seems to embody the character totally.

The use of mirror shots allows the audience to share her memories, reflecting on each moment with her. The theatrical lighting and stylized cinematography add to the dreamlike quality of the piece, achieving an authentic period look reminiscent of the original three strip Technicolor film.

"The Red Shoes" was a huge success at the time and went on to win Oscars, but Moira's struggle to choose between her passion for the world of ballet or the allure of cinema stardom, is what propels writer / director Steve Exeter's "Òran na h-Eala" making it one of the most vital short films of 2022.

I just finished watching this and I though to myself, I have to write a review about this so others can also enjoy it. Starting of - I loved the intro and the props. Amazing set designs and her strong demeanor mixed with conflict really went together so well. Shannon Davidson really stood out here and her performance is one of a kind. It's hard to find actresses really show their passion and convincing us, the audience of a complex character like she's playing. Job well done to her and everyone else. I'm a fan of this film forever and like many others here we are just waiting for the next film.

I was truly honored to watch this film, and I was blown away by the meticulous detail and perfect setup from the very first frame. The soundtrack is equally outstanding, guiding the film seamlessly to its dramatic conclusion. I'd love to see behind-the-scenes footage or learn about the director's thought process during its creation. Despite being a short film, the immense effort and love put into it made it feel like a feature-length movie. I watched it with my friends from art school, and we all appreciated every aspect of this award-winning piece. Thank you for reviving the magic of cinema and inspiring us all.

I'm usually cautious about labeling a film as "perfect," but in this case, it truly fits. It's fantastic to see Steve Exeter and his team receiving well-deserved recognition. From beginning to end, it felt like I was right there in the front row, watching everything unfold. Special accolades go to Shannon Davidson, who flawlessly portrays Moira Shearer. Her 22 awards and 15 nominations are well justified. Despite its brief runtime, the film clearly shows a deep commitment and passion. The story hinges on a pivotal decision: will she pursue a career in film or stick with her ballet? Watching her navigate this choice was truly captivating.

This film comes incredibly close to perfection. The main lead's performance as Moira Shearer was stunning. The meticulous attention to detail in aligning this film with The Red Shoes deserves its own award. The color grading and soundtrack added another layer, making this short film feel almost like a feature-length production. However, I felt that some scenes could have benefited from tighter editing to maintain a more consistent pacing.

I do wish for a continuation with the same actors and director; maybe we'll see one this year. For the rating, I'm giving this a solid 9. Everything was almost perfect, making it a real treat to watch. This is a homage to one of the greatest films ever made, and even if you're unfamiliar with The Red Shoes, this is still a fantastic film to dive into.

This film was a mesmerizing journey, a rare gem that transcends the ordinary! The fusion of brilliant writing, stellar performances, and breathtaking cinematography was so powerful that it felt as though I was not merely watching but living the experience. The characters, layered with emotional depth and complexity, held me spellbound from start to finish. It offers a rare, intimate glimpse into Moira Shearer's world just before "The Red Shoes" took the stage. Even in its brief runtime, the film etches itself into memory, leaving an indelible mark on the soul. My only regret? That it wasn't longer, allowing for a deeper dive into its intricate narrative and themes, a journey I would gladly embark on again and again.

Watching this film was an absolute pleasure. As a Powell and Pressburger enthusiast, I was thrilled, and it exceeded all my expectations. The cinematography was outstanding, with a soft, dreamy light style that added a unique and captivating touch. The striking and vibrant color palettes played a crucial role in the film's visual storytelling.

The narrative follows Moira Shearer and her choice to star in the iconic "The Red Shoes," exploring how this decision affects her life. The plot is concise, direct, and brimming with drama-just what you'd want in a film of this genre. It beautifully combines simplicity with emotional depth.

I'm eagerly looking forward to the next project from this talented team. Their skill in storytelling has left me excited to see what they create next!

This brief film is a rich tapestry of emotions and complexity, remarkably capturing a wide range of feelings within its short run time. The director has skillfully woven this nuanced yet clear story. The opening scene is particularly striking, drawing inspiration from "The Red Shoes" and laying the groundwork for a riveting and emotionally resonant experience. Shannon Davidson's portrayal of Moire Shearer is a standout, infusing the character with elegance and realism. It's a demanding role, but her execution is so authentic that it feels like watching the events happen in real time. Congratulations to Steve Exeter and the entire crew for their exceptional work. As someone who deeply appreciates "The Red Shoes," I found this film thoroughly enjoyable. It's highly recommended for everyone, even those not familiar with the original, particularly for fans of Òran na h-Eala.

The attention to detail in this short film is absolutely brilliant, making me want to watch it over and over just to catch every little nuance the director cleverly included. It kicks off with a powerful intro, followed by a main actor's performance that truly mesmerises the audience. The precise editing paired with a beautiful soundtrack is nothing short of award-worthy. I just wish it was longer; even though it's a short film, a sequel or continuation would be eagerly anticipated. Nevertheless, Òran na h-Eala stands as an exceptional tribute to one of the greatest films in history, offering a rich array of elements to delight every viewer.

Watching this was a truly unique experience! The writing and acting were brilliant, and the cinematography was exceptional. It felt like I was right there, deeply immersed in the unfolding events. The deep character emotions and the complexity of the narrative kept me captivated throughout this poignant exploration of Moira Shearer's psyche before "The Red Shoes." The film's short runtime is both a blessing and a curse; it succinctly captures the essence of Shearer's emotional and artistic turmoil, yet leaves you yearning for more. This is a short film that not only entertains but also resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impression. My only wish is that it were longer to fully explore the rich story and characters, providing even more depth and insight into an already compelling narrative.

Oran na h-Eala is a mesmerizing short film that masterfully weaves together its narrative, visuals, and sound into a cohesive work of art. The story captivates through strong performances, intricate costume design, rich soundscapes, and striking visuals. While the film initially hints at focusing more on ballet, it instead delves deeply into the lead character's journey, a choice that adds unexpected layers to the experience. This shift, especially in a short film, adds to its richness. The result is a visually poetic drama that feels timeless, leaving audiences wishing for more. Oran na h-Eala is a true contender for awards, offering a blend of elegance and emotion that lingers long after viewing.

The acting in this short film was phenomenal, brimming with emotion that had me hooked with every line. The choice of actress was absolutely perfect, as she delivered a performance that truly stood out and earned praise on its own. Her portrayal filled some substantial shoes, deserving accolades for her work alone. The plot is easy to follow, even if you haven't seen Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's 'The Red Shoes.' While knowing that film adds depth to the experience, it's not necessary to appreciate this short film. Every aspect of the production impressed me, from the carefully chosen soundtrack and detailed props to the impactful finale. The meticulous attention to detail and the evident passion poured into this project were genuinely inspiring, making the short film a standout piece.

This is one of the best short films i've seen in a long time. I loved the opening credits playing homage to "The Red Shoes" which was brilliant, adding a nice touch to set the mood as the plot unfolded. The film has lots of emotions as Shannon Davidson who plays Moira Shearer took this film to the next level. We witness her emotions and strength but she's deeply conflicted between her love for ballet and her opportunity at fame from acting. This was only 15 minutes but it felt a lot longer, great acting, editing and the film is just one of those shorts you need to watch. This could easily be made into a feature length film. I highly recommend!

Firstly kudos to the director for getting the cast right for this film. Shannon Davidson was a perfect fit to play Moira Shearer. The film had a nice pace to it, crafty editing and cinematography. The mirrors shots psychologically made me feel like I was there and it was that much more personal. Playing Moira Shearer isn't an easy task but she made it look easy, lots of emotions and a convincing effort that had me glued to the screen right to the very end.

The soundtrack was exceptional, and the characters were vividly portrayed. Shannon Davidson excellently captured the enchanting allure akin to Moira Shearer. Despite its short duration, the film's intricate craftsmanship is remarkable and deserves high praise. I am deeply appreciative of filmmakers such as Steve Exeter for their role in weaving this engaging story that beautifully melds art with life. "The Red Shoes" stands as an everlasting classic, and "Òran na h-Eala" elegantly highlights its lasting appeal.

The director and the entire team showcased impressive skill. I highly recommend this film and urge everyone to support cinema of this quality. More productions of this nature would be a valuable addition to Hollywood.

Oran na h-Eala captivates as a cinematic masterpiece, seamlessly blending all elements into a harmonious symphony. This short film stands out with its compelling narrative, enhanced by stellar performances, exquisite sound design, meticulous costume detailing, and visually stunning sets. The film transcends expectations, artfully balancing its themes. While initially anticipated to feature more ballet, the focus shifts to the protagonist's journey, a narrative choice that enriches the film's depth, particularly given its short format. Oran na h-Eala emerges as a potential award-winner, a blend of drama and visual poetry that leaves a lasting impression. It's a film so enchanting, one wishes it would go on indefinitely.

Experiencing this film was truly extraordinary! The combination of outstanding writing, exceptional acting, and magnificent cinematography created a sense of being right in the middle of the action. The depth and emotional complexity of the characters were captivating, keeping me completely engaged. This film offers a succinct yet profound glimpse into Moira Shearer's inner world just before "The Red Shoes" emerged. Despite its brief duration, this short film leaves a lasting impression. My only wish is that it were longer, allowing for a more extensive exploration of its rich narrative and themes.

I had the honor to view a private screening of this film and I was blown away. Rich in details right from the start. I truly did appreciate the compositions and aesthetics from The Red Shoes, and how they successfully used the parts of Moira Shearer's own conflicted feelings about her involvement with the project. Also, yes - The Red Shoes is without a doubt one of the greatest and most beautiful films ever made so this film was risky to do but it stands on it's own because of it's fine detail and perfect execution. I was expecting more ballet scenes in this though since it's part of her conflicting choice but it was still great without it. If you get the chance to watch it, you should!

A perfect short film with so much detail in everything from the costumes to the carefully built sets. I had to watch it this at least 3 times to soak everything up. Great filmmaking from the director and the cast should be so proud of this.

I loved that this film explored inside of Moira Shearer's heart and mind. They didn't focus too much on the other things (you have to see The Red Shoes to know what I mean) but just on what she was going through at that time. Perfect execution and it really packed a punch. Her emotions and passion really stood out to me, seemed so real. I would love to see the behind the scenes. To the director, Steve Exeter well done and congrats on this successful short.

Oran na h-Eala is a journey through time, offering the viewer a glimpse into the life of Moira Shearer, who was arguably one of the most charismatic and iconic people in the world of international ballet. Seeing the film's opening credits was a welcome surprise, I could immediately point out visual similarities between the short film and "The Red Shoes", the prolific ballet drama that took the world of cinema by storm in 1948. However, it's not only the opening credits where the short film pays ode to the emblematic film, it inspires its visuals as well as its direction. It is exactly a little before 1948 that we must travel to, at a time when the young ballerina was just being proposed to star in The Red Shoes.

The film is beautifully shot and each frame might as well be a painting. There's no doubt a bit of that fairy dust magic is going on behind the cameras that charmed The Red Shoes in the first place. The film's lead, Shannon Davidson lights up the screen with her incontestable flare and charm. She really brings Moira's torn spirit to life with her astounding performance and drives home the point to the audience. She is complimented by an equally stunning Powell and Pressburger duo, that haunt and nag her to no end.

The parallels between "Oran na h-Eala" and "The Red Shoes" are very interesting to me. Vicky Page was given the opportunity to choose between her dreams and her longing for love and ended up choosing neither or both, who is to say. The short film takes a similar position to when portraying Moira Shearer's career defining decision. Instead this time, torn between cinema and ballet, she did make the choice and it is the ballerina that ended up dying. The short asks an interesting question, "What if Moira had stayed behind to pursue her dreams of becoming prima ballerina?" Would we still have come to know her as the star she was or would she have eternally stayed in Margot Fonteyn's shadow?

The short film is a must watch for fans of Powell and Pressburger's "The Red Shoes" and Moira Shearer but remains an educative watch to newcomers as well.