9/18/2008

Evelyn (2002)

Based on a true story.

"The law and justice are two entirely different matters."

Desmond Doyle's (Pierce Brosnan) wife abandons their family right after Christmas. Despite the fact that he is unemployed and is a hard drinker, Doyle loves his children and is a good father to his children Evelyn (Sophie Vavasseur), Dermot (Niall Beagan) and Maurice (Hugh Macdonagh).

The Catholic Church and the Irish courts decide that without a woman in the household, Doyle is unfit to raise his children so they are taken away to different church-run orphanages.

Even though a judge assures Desmond that when he is employed again the children will be returned to him, jobs are hard to come by in 1950s Ireland. Meanwhile the children endure many abuses in the orphanages and Desmond is unable to raise any money despite his efforts.

Finally he's had enough and must battle in court to get his children home where they belong.

Also appearing are: Julianna Margulies, Bosco Hogan, Alan Bates, Stephen Rea, Aidan Quinn.

Directed by Bruce Beresford.

Run time: 1 hour, 34 minutes

Rated PG for thematic material and language.

My personal rating: B

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