quirky, but very good -- far-fetched dénouement very enjoyable film, although one has to detach one's brain to enjoy the ending. Hurt and Parker are terrific, especially the latter. I can see why some have likened this film to _Waking Ned Devine_; however, the village as a whole plays a key role in _Waking Ned Devine_, while _Rare Birds_ is essentially individualistic. Still -- the tin whistles, desolate North Atlantic landscapes, funky characters and bizarre plot lines tie these films together. If you like one, you'll like the other. I rated _Waking Ned Devine_ a 9, I think; _Rare Birds_ gets an 8 from me.