Side menu
Featured Products
Evelyn
 BUY HERE! |
Our Price: $6.91 (subject to change)
Editorial
Product Description
Evelyn sees Pierce Brosnan return to his native Ireland for a lightweight drama set in early 1950s Dublin. He plays the working-class Desmond Doyle, whose children, including the titular Evelyn, are taken into the unwanted care of the Catholic church when his wife leaves him. Doyle challenges the might of Church and State in the courts, and in the process threatens to change Ireland's legal system itself. The story is predictable, especially given that it's based on real events, but is expertly told by director Bruce Beresford, a past master with tales of determination in the face of adversity--Paradise Road (1997)--and in chronicling the Catholic Church--Black Robe (1991).
There are fine performances from Brosnan, Sophie Vavasseur as Evelyn, and Julianna Margulies, who shines in a cast that also features strong support from Alan Bates, Stephen Rea and Aidan Quinn. Evelyn is a heart-warming drama with barely a feel-good clich? left unturned, which may find its natural home on Christmas Day television as an alternative to the Bond movie on the other side. Consider it a gentle cousin to Angela's Ashes (1999); those seeking more caustic fare on a similar theme would do well to visit The Magdalene Sisters (2002).
On the DVD: Evelyn is presented with a short (21 min), thoughtful making-of featurette. There are good, highly informative commentaries by Bruce Beresford, and by producer Beau St Clair with Pierce Brosnan, in which the superstar reveals how seriously he took this low-budget film, and how much it meant to him. The original spoiler-filled trailer is also included. The film itself is anamorphically enhanced at the original 2.35:1 in a flawless transfer from a virtually perfect print. The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is a model of clarity that appropriately doesn't draw attention to itself. --Gary S Dalkin
Editorial
Amazon.com
With a gentle tug at the heartstrings, Evelyn tells the true story of an imperfect father whose devotion brought much-needed change to rigid Irish law. It's a labor of love for star and coproducer Pierce Brosnan, who brings just the right touch of Everyman charm to his role as Desmond Doyle, a struggling Dublin tradesman, father of three, and chronic pub-crawler whose wife abandons their family the day after Christmas, 1953. Desmond's a loving father who's boyishly irresponsible; Irish law dictates the removal of his children to stern Catholic orphanages, and his battle for custody is aided by two lawyers (Stephen Rea, Aidan Quinn) who seize this opportunity to revolutionize the courts. With straightforward, unobtrusive style, director Bruce Beresford draws fine performances from Brosnan, Julianna Margulies (as a barmaid who inspires Desmond's sobriety), and especially young Sophie Vavasseur in the title role as Desmond's bright, determined daughter. Sentimental without being saccharine, Evelyn is simple, well made, and bursting with genuine Irish spirit. --Jeff Shannon
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Pierce Brosnan
Julianna Margulies
Aidan Quinn
Sophie Vavasseur
Niall Beagan
Creators:
Beau St. Clair (Producer)
Cynthia A. Palormo (Producer)
Eberhard Kayser (Producer)
Kevan Barker (Producer)
Kieran Corrigan (Producer)
Mario Ohoven (Producer)
Paul Pender (Writer)
Director(s):
EAN: 5060002831601
Binding: DVD
Format: PAL,
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Audience rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Region code: 2
Running time: 94 minutes
Language: English (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired)
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: English (Original Language)