Evelyn
"A near masterpiece, a wonderful film!" -Larry King
From the director of Driving Miss Daisy comes this compelling, heartwarming and inspiring true story of a father (Pierce Brosnan) who faces impossible odds to keep his family together.
Times are touch in Dublin, Ireland. But no one has it tougher than Desmond Doyle when his wife runs off and his beloved daughter Evelyn and two young sons are sent to an orphanage by the government. Enlisting the help of loyal friends (Julianna Margulies, Stephen Rea) and a feisty American lawyer (Aidan Quinn), he takes his case to Ireland's Supreme Court in a history-making quest to topple an ironclad law...and win back custody of his children.
Member Reviews
Sentiment Before the Bench - Stitch
because the label “true story” is applicable only to the legalities at play. The love story is inaccurate as presented and even my normally sympathetic bride, without knowing any of the facts, smelled a rat. Why did the wife leave? What’s with the underplaying of the alcoholism? So go check out Desmond Doyle on Wiki and the book by his daughter Evelyn. And more particularly her brother’s and her (biological) mother’s reaction to it.
I’m not religious and may deplore some things done in its name. I equally deplore movies like this that demonize without any qualifications church and government institutions supported by a majority of the citizens at the time (Eire was a democracy...no hanging chads here). While the change in law was admirable, not all ordinary people cheered. My point is that this is a subject rich for cinematic dramatization, and a more realistic treatment within the context of the times and with a truer picture of the players would have given us something to chew on. Fairy tales wrapped around a significant event are seldom memorable.
The movie as presented has, as one reviewer put it, a TV soap opera approach tailored to manipulate our heart strings. Which is unfortunate because hidden under the blandishments is a very fine performance by Mairead Devlin as the daughter. Pierce Brosnan is surprisingly competent but does not engender enormous compassion—which may have been a subtle suggestion that he doesn’t deserve it. Who knows. Aidan Quinn seems on hold, waiting for the real movie to start. The balance of the cast is adequate. The cinematography is excellent with a painterly nostalgic look at the Dublin of the ‘50’s.
In summary, a pleasant family tale that will cheer the hearts of sympathetic viewers. Evelyn is delightful in resistance and her brothers dutiful in the shadows. Dad is lovingly parental as he woos fair maiden. You were expecting complexity, truth and drama? Not here.A touching and surprising film - Frank_Ricard
I really enjoyed this film. Surprisingly, I was more emotional about it than my wife, but for some reason, it really struck a chord with me. I suppose because I am a man, and a father, the circumstances really resonated with me.
Brosnan, and the child actors, were all outstanding. Having seen Brosnan in this film, I have increased respect for his range and sensitivity as an actor. It was a surprising role for him to take on (Daniel Day Lewis would have been an obvious choice) but I'm very glad he did.
Aidan Quinn is also authentic and well suited to his role in the film
A thoroughly enjoyable film, and bring your box of kleenex.Memorable -- Keeper - Taxi_Mom
POWERFUL true story and strong performances all around -- especially from Pierce Brosnan and young Sophie Vavasseur (Evelyn). What a career this talented girl has ahead of her.
A movie you just keep thinking about -- very memorable -- a keeper for sure.
HIGHLY recommended.
Member Reviews
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Sentiment Before the Bench - Stitch
because the label “true story” is applicable only to the legalities at play. The love story is inaccurate as presented and even my normally sympathetic bride, without knowing any of the facts, smelled a rat. Why did the wife leave? What’s with the underplaying ...A touching and surprising film - Frank_Ricard
I really enjoyed this film. Surprisingly, I was more emotional about it than my wife, but for some reason, it really struck a chord with me. I suppose because I am a man, and a father, the circumstances really resonated with me.
Brosnan, and the child ...Memorable -- Keeper - Taxi_Mom
POWERFUL true story and strong performances all around -- especially from Pierce Brosnan and young Sophie Vavasseur (Evelyn). What a career this talented girl has ahead of her.
A movie you just keep thinking about -- very memorable -- a keeper for sure.
HIGHLY ...