Ryan's Daughter is a romantic drama film produced and directed by David Lean. The movie is set in Ireland during the First World War and tells the story of Rosy Ryan, a young woman who falls in love with Charles Shaughnessy, a British officer stationed in her town.
However, their romance is met with resistance from the community who see Rosy as a traitor for her relationship with the British soldier. In particular, her father, Tom Ryan, is bitterly opposed to the idea of his daughter being involved with the enemy and becomes estranged from her.
Despite the objections of her family and the wider community, Rosy and Charles continue to see each other in secret. However, their relationship takes a dramatic turn when Charles is suspected of being a spy and is arrested.
The film features strong performances from lead actors Sarah Miles and Robert Mitchum, who play Rosy Ryan and Charles Shaughnessy respectively. The movie was widely acclaimed upon its release, with particular praise for its stunning cinematography, which captures the rugged beauty of the Irish landscape.
Ryan's Daughter was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Sarah Miles and Best Supporting Actor for John Mills. Despite its critical success, the film was not a commercial hit and is often seen as a lesser-known work from David Lean's impressive filmography, which includes classics such as Lawrence of Arabia and The Bridge on the River Kwai.