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Evelyn (2002)
Released By: MGM Home Entertainment   Rating: PG   In Theaters: N/A
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Studio: MGM Home Entertainment
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: Bruce Beresford
Language: English
Official Website: http://www.mgm.com/evelyn/
Theatrical Release: N/A
Home Video Release: 4/15/2003
Cast: Aidan Quinn, Alan Bates, Pierce Brosnan, Stephen Rea, Juliana Margulies
Published ID: 599874
UPC: 027616884299,
Plot: One man takes on the Irish family law system and the Catholic Church in a bid to be reunited with his children in this drama, based on a true story. In 1953, Desmond Doyle (Pierce Brosnan) was a house painter and decorator who, despite a strong work ethic, had a hard time holding on to steady work. Desmond's wife had grown tired of her marriage and her husband's financial problems, and one day walked away from her home, leaving Desmond to raise their three children on his own. While Desmond struggles to keep body and soul together for his children, his sporadic employment eventually attracts the attention of the law, and a court order sends his two sons and young daughter to separate Catholic orphanages until Desmond can prove he's capable of properly supporting them. However, Desmond discovers merely getting work is not enough to bring his children back to him, and when he learns that his daughter, Evelyn (Sophie Vavasseur), is having a rough time of it at the hands of several stern nuns, he becomes determined to win their custody in a court of law. Through Bernadette (Julianna Margulies), a barmaid who has caught his eye, Desmond meets Michael Beattie (Stephen Rea), a lawyer and Bernadette's brother. While Michael doesn't believe Desmond's case can be won in an Irish court, his partner Nick Barron (Aidan Quinn), an expatriate American who lost custody of his own children in a divorce proceeding, is eager to help, and they agree to take the case. However, they both realize they're fighting an uphill battle, and so they persuade Thomas Connolly (Alan Bates), a former football star who became one of Ireland's most respected barristers, to lend his knowledge and prestige to the case. Leading man Bronson also served a co-producer for Evelyn; Bruce Beresford directed, who previously collaborated with Pierce Brosnan on Mister Johnson. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
Makes a great gift!
Added 10/26/2009

My mother and father bought this movie and have shown it to everyone they know. they love this movie and i have to admit it is a very good movie. My parents copy of this movie has worn out and they need a new copy so I bought this to replace the copy that they have worn out be watching so many times.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
LOVED it!
Added 10/16/2009

This is a beautiful, heart-warming film that I just adore! I loved it from start to finish. I love Irish films, and when I saw the trailer for this a few years back I knew I would adore this movie. The storyline, basically a father fighting for his children, is interesting, though sad, and the film itself kept me captivated and interested from beginning to end. It has a fantastic cast who really contribute great acting. The little girl who plays Evelyn is adorable and does a wonderful job, and her title character is so strong, smart and wise beyond her years. I definitely shed a few tears in this movie and laughed a few times as well. I really enjoyed it and look forward to watching it again and again. I agree with others who have said that this movie deserved more accolades. The acting really was superb and the plot is well-developed. If you are a lover of Irish films I would highly recommend this movie to you. It doesn't disappoint!
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Sweet, simple little gem of a movie
Added 9/6/2009

I read several comments expressing surprise that this film did not make any kind of splash in the theaters. This hardly surprises me. For so long now, the industry has been single-mindedly focused on promoting movies that, in one way or another, have a larger-than-life quality to them. They pitch non-stop action, suspense, immense grandeur, all star casts, sweeping, epic sagas, etc..... "Evelyn" is none of these. It does not have a dozen wild plot twists. There are no astounding special effects. The cast is not bloated with superstars. Instead, this is a fairly simple little story. It could be called sentimental, but it is not one of those sticky-sweet shows that transparently tries to work a tired tear-jerker formula on the audience. It tells a true story, simply and tenderly. The cast does a wonderful job without over-doing it. The scenes touching on the perspectives of the children unfold with a captivating sensitivity to the way most children actually perceive their world. We are shown their sometimes magical view of things without drifting into obviously cinematic fantasy sequences. Simple rays of sunlight on a little girl's fingers can momentarily prove as touching and enchanting as many a familiar excursion into computer generated wonderlands.
For those seeking adrenaline rushes, jaw-dropping visual extravaganzas, etc., etc....... you might as well look elsewhere. "Evelyn" is a very moving, stirring little film, but probably only for those who are willing to settle into its gentle, intimate little reality. Of course, part of the fun in experiencing this true story lies in the discovery of how the struggles of its characters ultimately brought about major legal and social change in Ireland where it all takes place. It might be noted that all those who enjoy films featuring a rich sense of Irish life and culture, should take great delight in this offering.

1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
Good family story
Added 6/22/2009

Though I thought this movie would be a typical Pierce Brosnan movie I was pleasantly surprised. This is a well told story with a happy tear jerker ending. In my opinion one of Pierce Brosnan's best as is brings out the heart and soul of the people the story was about. I will watch it again and again
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
An important story about a father's love
Added 3/26/2009

Based on a true story, Evelyn recounts the case of Ireland's first single father to successfully sue for custody of his children. Pierce Brosnan plays the part of the father, Desmond, whose children are removed from his custody and placed in orphanages following the desertion of his wife.

Starring Pierce Brosnan, Juliana Marguiles and Aidan Quinn, this heartwarming story follows the transformation of a father who fights to reunite his family and manages to help change Irish perception and policy in the process.

Faith, music, and Irish charm are other pleasing facets in this gem of a movie.

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Makes a great gift!
Added 10/26/2009

My mother and father bought this movie and have shown it to everyone they know. they love this movie and i have to admit it is a very good movie. My parents copy of this movie has worn out and they need a new copy so I bought this to replace the copy that they have worn out be watching so many times.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
LOVED it!
Added 10/16/2009

This is a beautiful, heart-warming film that I just adore! I loved it from start to finish. I love Irish films, and when I saw the trailer for this a few years back I knew I would adore this movie. The storyline, basically a father fighting for his children, is interesting, though sad, and the film itself kept me captivated and interested from beginning to end. It has a fantastic cast who really contribute great acting. The little girl who plays Evelyn is adorable and does a wonderful job, and her title character is so strong, smart and wise beyond her years. I definitely shed a few tears in this movie and laughed a few times as well. I really enjoyed it and look forward to watching it again and again. I agree with others who have said that this movie deserved more accolades. The acting really was superb and the plot is well-developed. If you are a lover of Irish films I would highly recommend this movie to you. It doesn't disappoint!
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Sweet, simple little gem of a movie
Added 9/6/2009

I read several comments expressing surprise that this film did not make any kind of splash in the theaters. This hardly surprises me. For so long now, the industry has been single-mindedly focused on promoting movies that, in one way or another, have a larger-than-life quality to them. They pitch non-stop action, suspense, immense grandeur, all star casts, sweeping, epic sagas, etc..... "Evelyn" is none of these. It does not have a dozen wild plot twists. There are no astounding special effects. The cast is not bloated with superstars. Instead, this is a fairly simple little story. It could be called sentimental, but it is not one of those sticky-sweet shows that transparently tries to work a tired tear-jerker formula on the audience. It tells a true story, simply and tenderly. The cast does a wonderful job without over-doing it. The scenes touching on the perspectives of the children unfold with a captivating sensitivity to the way most children actually perceive their world. We are shown their sometimes magical view of things without drifting into obviously cinematic fantasy sequences. Simple rays of sunlight on a little girl's fingers can momentarily prove as touching and enchanting as many a familiar excursion into computer generated wonderlands.
For those seeking adrenaline rushes, jaw-dropping visual extravaganzas, etc., etc....... you might as well look elsewhere. "Evelyn" is a very moving, stirring little film, but probably only for those who are willing to settle into its gentle, intimate little reality. Of course, part of the fun in experiencing this true story lies in the discovery of how the struggles of its characters ultimately brought about major legal and social change in Ireland where it all takes place. It might be noted that all those who enjoy films featuring a rich sense of Irish life and culture, should take great delight in this offering.

1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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