david-greene5 I watch far too many movies not to have viewed this one with a certainty as to where the story was going and exactly what emotional response it would try to generate in me. They show far too many made-for-TV movies that fit this description, year after year, and if these generate a little bit of emotion when the big finish arrives, you actually feel ashamed that you were a sucker for such cheap manipulation; however, Bruce Beresford's "Evelyn" somehow rises above all of this. I suppose it helps that Pierce Brosnan manages to set aside the slick, stylish persona that he has embodied in countless previous roles, to instead personify a simple working guy with a drinking problem and an all-consuming love for his three kids. Some critics have questioned the wisdom of casting him in this, but the very fact that he is surprising you with a characterization that is not expected of him, and doing such a heartfelt job of it contributes to the fascination of the unfolding drama. All of the supporting players are very effective in the piece, particularly the remarkable little girl who plays the title role, and Alan Bates who, in one of his last appearances, has a quirky, playful approach to his role that is great fun indeed. One is decidedly sad to know this guy is not around to give us more of this sort of artistry. Then there is the big finish, the climactic courtroom scene. see this gentle little film for yourself and see if you can resist being deeply touched by it. This jaded veteran of way too many viewing experiences was incredibly moved. This one is a joy!

m-machine Desmond Doyle is far from broken; He is out of job and his pockets are more than empty, his wife has left him for another man, and the worst is yet to come; when government takes his three children due to his unstable status. he does anything and everything in his power in order to master the situation and get his children back. the real challenges are laying ahead...Although I'm moved by well orchestrated story, and superb acts (particularly Brosnan in a very different, yet challenging role), HOWEVER it was very annoying to watch the ironic paradox of blindness of nomadic catholic church system, along with the spirituality that reigned over the whole story, at the same time. I'm even having difficulty putting this movie in the "Courtroom Drama" shelf, since although there's talk about legal matters in general, however the law in this movie starts and ends with God, the opposite side of the Doyle are his/her! servants, and almost every major defense is religious based as well. and finally I believe that is the very story of our lives; while most of human-being's problems through times are caused by irrational man-made blind acts of religion, however! it is the very same thing that people are seeking help from, while running away from those problems... I'm wondering which one would meltdown sooner; the whole Arctic Ice, or organized religion's Ice mountain, which by the way has been hold back the human-ship for a long time.

anitab-1 Most of the portrayals in this movie were exceptionally well done and for the most part authentic. The interaction between Pierce and Sophie was absolute perfection. All of the cultural aspects of living in Ireland mid- twentieth century are in place, and the story is one you are not likely to forget. One exception in the cast line up is Julianna Margulies whose character is too one-dimensional to be believable and instead of being sympathetic just fades into the background. A strong performance by Aidan Quinn as an American lawyer visiting Ireland were very supporting, if not entirely the truth. My largest complaint for seeing it in the theater was that much of the movie was filmed too darkly and it was difficult to view. The DVD conversion has corrected this problem and it is no longer an issue. The central theme of this film is one of the church having too much judicial power in Ireland is dealt with very strongly and was highly effective. I would recommend this movie on all counts.

Luminaria This a sweet little movie that details a real-life legal battle that took place in Ireland in 1953, when an unemployed alcoholic father who's wife runs off to New Zealand has his three children taken away "because that's the law" and placed in church-run orphanages. He petitions the Irish Supreme Court and sets a new precedent for Irish parental rights. Everyone who seems amazed that Pierce Brosnan can play the part of an average working guy (Desmond), will probably be astounded to find out that he is doing his own singing in the pub! The beginning of this film moves slowly, and it almost falls into anti-Catholic stereotypes, but although it skirts the edge, it never quite tips over. Characters are real - Desmond reacts as many a father would in such a situation - at first he falls into despair, but then he pulls himself together and fights back. The "victory" speech at the end, by the little girl, Evelyn, is predictably sweet, but Evelyn did speak at the trial, and the law did change, so one can forgive the sweetness.