"What a swellegant, elegant, party this is!" Coleen! <3
"What a swellegant, elegant, party this is!" Coleen! <3
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I first watched Angela's Ashes a few months back in History. I fell in love with it straight away, and is now one of my favourite films. But, why...?
***** Angela's Ashes is based on the book written by Frank McCourt, made in 1999. It is the story of McCourt's life as a child, followed right through until his early adult life. The director, Alan Parker, helps us connect with the characters and sets across a very clear yet important message.
In the 1930s, when he was just a small boy, McCourt and his family (mum, dad and two brothers) were forced to move back to Ireland. Here his mum gave birth to another little girl, who soon sadly died a little while after because of the terrible living conditions. Life was in no way easy in Ireland. This was the time when many illnesses were going around, such as cholera and typhoid. Sadly, the McCourt children died, leaving just Frankie, his two brothers (Malachy and Michael), and his mum and dad. But when his dad eventually got a job to support the family, he drank all his money and left them on their own to fight for survival. Frankie faced other children at school laughing at him, total humiliation. So he thought he needed to get a job to keep some money in the house - it was his turn to be the man around. He did get a job in the Coal Mines, but it did not end well. Frankie ended up with severe eye problems, and was inches to blindness. After spending a long time in hospital, he could finally return to the troubles life of home. We are taken through Frankie's life, and witness his first Holy Communion, his 'experiments in fields of sheep' and relate to his over-keen interest in girls. We see how he manages to support himself away from his desparate mother, how he gets a job and earns a bit of money to put in his pocket. But then he wants to go to America. To make something of himself. But can he get enough money, and does he have the courage to go alone at such a young age...?
***** I remember when I was younger, my mam would not let me watch Angela's Ashes. She said it would upset me too much. And I guess she was right. Even now, I got a bit depressed at it, over emotional! I am quite easily upset, so it is a tough film to watch. As it was in History, and we were studying Immigrants And Exiles, I did not really have a choice in the matter. I am pleased I watched it though, as it is now one of my favourite films! I love the Irish accent, so it is super! Now, if you were to ask me what my favourite bit in the film was, I could easily tell you! This bit had me in stitches, and when I reacted it out, I laughed at myself (I must have looked a right plonker!) It is the bit when Frankie is out collecting coal off the road, and his bag splits. He drops all the coal and claims, 'Oh S**T!' I really did not expect this to come out of the mouth of a small boy! There is a few 'rude' scenes as well but I shall leave that for you to discover!
The theme tune to this film is quite nice. it is really slow and sorrowful, mourning like. When you listen to it, you can release all sorts of negative emotions. But at the same time, it can really sooth and relax you!
***** There are some fantastic actors and actresses in Angela's Ashes...
Frankie mcCourt - Joe Breen/Ciaran Owens/Michael Legge malachy (dad) - Robert Carlyle Angela McCourt - Emily Watson Narattor - Andrew bennett Malachy Junior - Shane Murray-Corcoran/Devon Murray/Peter Halpin
***** If you have not seen Angela's Ashes, and you have a particular interest in History, Ireland or films along the lines of this, they you should get your hands on this gripping, entertaining and emotional film...!
Pictures of Angela's Ashes (DVD)
Angela's Ashes (DVD)
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This is a great film, and you have reviewed it well...Chris x
arnoldhenryrufus 07.07.2007 16:02
It was a really sad and depressing film, I have also read books from the same era and times were really hard and bad for a lot of people, we have to count ourselves lucky that we have not suffered that way - lyn x
reddragonflame87 04.07.2007 22:57
Sounds too sad for me! I'm too much of a soppy git, I'd end up crying on the phone to my friends. Sniffle.... -FT
Angela's Ashes, the Pulitzer Prize winning memoir, comes to life in this stirring film ... more
from acclaimed director Alan Parker (The Life Of David Gale; Evita) starring Emily Watson (Best Actress, Hilary & Jackie, 1999) and Robert Carlyle (The Full Mont...
Angela's Ashes the Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir comes to life in this stirring film ... more
from acclaimed director Alan Parker (Evita) starring Academy Award-nominee Emily Watson (Breaking The Waves) and Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty). Life in impoverish...
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Jul 4th, 2007
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