IRISH film Kisses is taking the US by storm -- but the strong Dublin accents mean it is being subtitled.

The hit indie flick, which has already received rave reviews from US and Irish critics alike, opened in the US last weekend after scooping up a number of awards at film festivals in Toronto, Miami and the Galway Film Fleadh since it was released in 2008.

Kisses' gritty storyline focuses on two teens growing up in poverty-stricken flats in inner-city Dublin, who vow to run away together after their troubled home lives force them to leave.

But the accents of the main characters mean that not everyone is able to understand what exactly is being said.

Producer Macdara Kelleher told the Herald that the film will be "partially subtitled" in order to make it as accessible as possible for American 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 slightly 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."

While the movie has taken the industry by storm, Kelleher said they didn't anticipate such a worldwide success when filming began two years ago.

"When the film screened in Toronto in 2008, there was a real buzz about the place. It was then, I think, that we knew we had something special," he said.

"Myself and director Lance Daly just wanted to make a film that would get people interested. Nothing really big or extravagant and we wanted to avoid a typical genre, like gangster -- just a simple, honest film.

"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 described the film as "short, sweet and full of unexpected moments".

hnews@herald.ie