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Review: Katherine Kaminsky | Rating:
Two
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES: Commentaries with Pierce Brosnan and
Bruce Beresford; Behind the scenes featurette; 'Story Behind The
Story' featurette; Theatrical trailer.
ALTHOUGH called Evelyn, this film really centres around her father,
Desmond Doyle. Based on the 1953 groundbreaking court case, Evelyn
tells the true story of Desmond Doyle's struggle to raise his
three children alone.
Doyle (Pierce Brosnan) is abandoned by his wife and, with no
job prospects and an escalating drink problem, his children are
taken into care. The two boys are sent to an orphanage, while
Evelyn (Sophie Vavasseur) has to bravely deal with life in a strict
convent with an unhinged nun.
Doyle gets himself a decorating job during the day and, with
the support of his father, sings in a pub band at night, determined
to be reunited with his children.
Bernadette Beattie (Julianna Margulies) is working as a barmaid
at her uncle's pub and is so impressed by his determination, she
introduces Doyle to her brother, Michael (Stephen Rea), who is
a solicitor.
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Through this association, American lawyer, Nick Barron (Aidan
Quinn), and his mentor, Tom Connolly (Alan Bates), are brought
on board Doyle's case. The four embark to challenge the law using
the Irish constitution and take the Minister of Education to court.
At first, this appears to be a hopeless trial, but as Doyle battles
against the odds, he gains more support and media attention until
the fight for his family becomes a fight for justice and a father's
love.
Writer, Paul Pender, charmingly tells this story with enough
humour to balance out the pulling of heart strings.
The strong cast is also good, with a sweet subplot revolving
around Bernadette, Doyle and Barron and a fun cameo from Alan
Bates.
The big prize must go, however, to director, Bruce Beresford,
for bringing such a sensitive performance out of Sophie Vavasseurs,
Evelyn, without being overly sentimental.
Irish Dream Time, Pierce Brosnan's own production company, which
was also responsible for the remake of The Thomas Crown Affair,
among others, is responsible for this film. The result is a sweet
testament to a life changing event that has since changed many
lives.
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