Hi °C | Lo °C Irish film Kisses is taking the US by storm — despite being subtitled due to the strong Dublin accents.
The hit indie flick, which has received rave reviews from US and Irish critics alike, opened in the US last weekend after scooping awards at film festivals in Toronto, Miami and the Galway.
Kisses' gritty storyline focuses on two teens growing up in poverty-stricken flats in inner-city Dublin who vow to run away together.
But the accents of the main characters mean that not everyone is able to understand what exactly is being said.
Producer Macdara Kelleher said the film will be “partially subtitled” in order to make it accessible for US audiences.
“The kids starring in the film had never acted in anything before, so they didn't really use the diction that actors doing a thick accent would be used to,” he said. “It was a constructive decision to have the film partially subtitled in the US. I think it does change the perception of the film, people will now think it's more of an art film.
“Directors often choose to partially subtitle their films, particularly when tough accents are used, in order to make it more accessible for viewers. For example, Trainspotting came with a glossary of terms.”
Kelleher said they didn't anticipate such worldwide success when filming began in 2008.
“I love it personally. I've seen it a lot of times and it has certainly made me cry a few times. Although I'm biased, I just think it's beautiful and hope viewers engage with it as well.”
US critics have called it “short, sweet and full of unexpected moments”.
