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Walking Between the Worlds [VHS]

45.00

2/3

1positive

Goode Stuffe

Leads to understanding profound truths through a mix of eye candy and clear ideas, lags a teeny bit in places, but generally a magnet for ideas leading to AHA's. I loved it, as I do most of Gregg's productions.

15Movie & TV

Walking Between the Worlds [VHS]

45.00

0/0

1positive

WALKING BETWEEN THE WORLDS

WALKING BETWEEN THE WORLDS GREGG BRADENI LIKE ALL OF HIS WORK AND HAVE MANY CD'S AND SOME DVD'S IF YOU WANT MY OPINION YOU ACCEPT WHAT I WRITE OR DO WITHOUT...I NOT FILLING WORD QUOTAS

15Movie & TV

B-17 Flying Legend (2004)

16.93

0/0

1positive

Well Done

I was very pleased with the speed and condition of the delivery of the article I purchased from this company.

15Movie & TV

B-17 Flying Legend (2004)

16.93

24/24

1positive

B17 preservation

I puchased this DVD upon release mainly because I wanted to show it to my Father who grew up in Sudbury around the 486th Bomb Group.An important historical record preserved for the generatioins the DVD is well made although the main film is shorter than I had imagined.It is good that the original WW2 Memphis Belle documentary is included and the photo galleries are a further good use of the DVD format capabilities.The DVD is Region 0 coded and should play in UK machines ok.Overall a fascinating film, sure to be of interest to anybody with an interest in military aviation and history of WW2.

15Movie & TV

B-17 Flying Legend (2004)

16.93

21/21

1positive

Includes a commentary track by the filmmakers

B-17 Flying Legend is the impressively presented collector's edition DVD about the majestic series of military airplanes known as the B-17. 12,731 were built; over 4,700 were lost in combat; today only 13 still fly. An extraordinary documentary capturing the impressive history of these magnificent machines (and the courageous men who flew them across European skies during World War II), B-17 Flying Legend includes a commentary track by the filmmakers; the original 1944 "Memphis Belle" documentary; photo galleries with over 200 historical photographs; additional interviews; footage of the last flying B-17s; a B-17 virtual tour; and pilots' notes. B-17 Flying Legend is a "must" for military aviation history buffs. 211 minutes, in black-and-white - with some color footage.

15Movie & TV

B-17 Flying Legend (2004)

16.93

13/13

1positive

B-17 Flying Legend

I first looked at this DVD as a rental from Nexflx, liked it and purchased it from Amazon for my father's birthday (my uncle was a B-17 pilot). I liked exterior and interior views of the airplane and interviews.

15Movie & TV

B-17 Flying Legend (2004)

16.93

10/10

1positive

B-17 Flying Legend

Overall--with all the extras--a fine piece. The new documentary is good, if a little self-serving. Sound quality of narration is weak and needs closed captioning. Extra interviews and photo albums are excellent. Shots of currently flying B-17s are good but should be longer. If you are into B-17s or WWII, you should get this one. You won't be disappointed.

15Movie & TV

B-17 Flying Legend (2004)

16.93

6/6

1positive

B-17 Flying Legend

I am a World War II B-17 Gunner, and I consider this an excellent story about this magnificient WW II Bomber that could take massive structual damage and still bring us home. It brought back a lot of memories both sad and happy. Also your handling and shipping service was very good.

15Movie & TV

B-17 Flying Legend (2004)

16.93

6/7

1positive

IF YOUR A FAN

IF YOUR A FAN OF THE FLYING FORTRESSES LIKE I AM, THIS MOVIE IS GREAT. IT'S GOT A LOT OF INFORMATION AND SOME REALLY GOOD INTERVIEWS IN IT. IF YOUR A HUGE FAN, YOU MAY HAVE SEEN PARTS OF THESE INTERVIEWS ON OTHER PROGRAMS BUT THEY ARE HERE IN THERE ENTIRETY. THIS MOVIE IS ALSO GREAT FOR ANYONE WHO JUST WANTS TO LEARN ALITTLE MORE ABOUT THE B-17'S. I REALLY ENJOYED THIS MOVIE AND WOULD RECOMMEND IT.

15Movie & TV

B-17 Flying Legend (2004)

16.93

1/1

1positive

Wonderful movie about the past and the present

This is about the last "flying" B17's. Only a handful remain. There are interviews with original crew members and these men have some wonderful (and terrifying) stories to tell. If you enjoy seeing WWII aircraft and learning more about the B17, I recommend this highly.

15Movie & TV

B-17 Flying Legend (2004)

16.93

1/1

1positive

Superb

The best DVD on the market about the B17,brings tears to the eyes listening to the old veterans recall their stories of far off days.....

15Movie & TV

B-17 Flying Legend (2004)

16.93

0/0

1positive

My review

This informative film successfully illustrates the horrific and incredible details about WWII air combat. It is a testimony to the legacy of the B-17 aircraft, pilots, and crew, as well as a wonderful portrait of the development, manufacture, and deployment of the B-17. A great watch!

15Movie & TV

B-17 Flying Legend (2004)

16.93

0/0

1positive

Great

My husband who I bought it for loved it, although he said it's not very current. Apparently there are only 1 or 2 still in existence and the video talks about more than that.

15Movie & TV

Banished Behind Bars (1995)

12/15

1positive

Erotica behind bars

I admit it: the primary domain of this movie lies within the category of male fantasy. Yes, there is an actual & real-live plot, but there is no question as to whom the "target-audience" of this film is intended to be.The film details two sisters who are "sold" off by their useless father. Their names are April & May (not sure if that's supposed to be funny or not?). May ends up in England and is raised by a cultered & nurturing family. Sadly, April is sent to an abusive home and ends up in an outlaw biker gang.[I stress that this PARTICULAR biker gang is full of renegades as, obviously, calling all biker gangs outlaws is an absurd and unwarranted stereotype].Back to the story. About 16 years after being separated, April tracks down May (both are now in their early 20s) and the two re-unite in California. Unfortunately, April makes the less than wise decision of killing their father out of revenge, and May gets pinned with the blame.For a "B" movie, the plot of this film is pretty decent. Not Academy Award calibre to be sure, but decent. More importantly, the film delivers on its tacit promise of plenty of nudity of several women. Except for a handful of extras, basically every attractive woman in the film takes her clothes off at least once.On the downside, some of the acting is pretty pathetic. Also, the action scenes are dismal and certainly don't have anything on Jet Li movies. There are also some holes in the plot, such as April being depicted as a Hispanic as a little girl, but miraculously turning into a blonde years later.In the end, however, if babes in prison is your thing, then you're certain to be satisfied by this flick. Gail Harris is stunning as May, and she even does a credible acting job. Not sure if this is the type of film she would WANT to put on her resume, but I wouldn't mind seeing her in more flicks.

15Movie & TV

Banished Behind Bars (1995)

12/16

1positive

So bad it's Good!!!

Even though I think a prison guard actually falls before getting shot in one scene, this movie is simply genius, from the prison outfits to the bad acting. The clincher.. a cat fight in a woman's prison is usually good but a naked one... while in the showers... Awsome!

15Movie & TV

Banished Behind Bars (1995)

1/2

1positive

Cool looking prison flick

It's like a life action pulp fiction cover. Girls in jail, cat fights and lot's of action. Prison has never looked this good.

15Movie & TV

Banished Behind Bars (1995)

3/6

1positive

Cool looking prison flick

It's like a life action pulp fiction cover. Girls in jail, cat fights and lot's of action. Prison has never looked this good.

15Movie & TV

Banished Behind Bars (1995)

1/4

1positive

Cool looking prison flick

It's like a life action pulp fiction cover. Girls in jail, cat fights and lot's of action. Prison has never looked this good.

15Movie & TV

Banished Behind Bars (1995)

0/3

1positive

Cool looking prison flick

It's like a life action pulp fiction cover. Girls in jail, cat fights and lot's of action. Prison has never looked this good.

15Movie & TV

Great American Western V.14, The (2003)

3.99

0/0

1positive

Dad loves it

My father wanted this along with quite a few others but he is unfamiliar with shopping online so I got them fr him and had hem shipped to him. He was quite satisfied with the transaction!!!

15Movie & TV

Doobie Brothers - Live From Hawaii [Import]

1/1

1positive

A Good Doobie Brothers Concert Video!

The picture quality and sound in this video are pretty good overall, but it starts out with 15 minutes of just panning through the happy crowd at the show. Why nobody bothered to edit this look at the crowd down to just 5 minutes I don't know because it does get boring after the first 5 minutes of that. The only other problem that I have with this concert video is that during every song and everything that is said between songs there is a Spanish translation caption on the bottom of the screen, which was very distracting for me. It takes up almost 20% of the screen at times.I don't speak spanish myself, but for those of you who don't understand English, just Spanish, this aspect of the video might appeal to you. For the rest of us English speakers, if you can get past this constant captioning, you will enjoy this music video. This concert took place in an amphetheater outdoors, so the sound isn't perfect, but it's still pretty good and the picture is very clear.

15Movie & TV

Blue Water Hunters [VHS] (1992)

0/0

1positive

An excellent video introduction to freedive spearfishing

This video in an excellent accompanyment to the book Blue Water Hunting and Freediving. Veteran freediver and world record spearfisherman Terry Maas spearfishes and videotapes fish all over the world. Narrated by Peter Fonda. END

15Movie & TV

Gather at the River - A Bluegrass Celebration (2001)

12.58

52/54

1positive

Some fine pickin'...A great concert movie!!!

I've owned this on laserdisc for a few years and am anxious to receive my DVD copy. This is a concert/documentary of a bluegrass festival in the early 90s. Great footage and quality sound by the likes of Peter Rowan & band, Doc Watson, Ralph Stanley & band, Del McCoury, and many many more. I'm glad to see more bluegrass available in this format. Pick this one up, you'll enjoy it!

15Movie & TV

Gather at the River - A Bluegrass Celebration (2001)

12.58

40/43

1positive

are you cracked?

To the individual who gave this DVD one star and commented on the "individual I've never heard of sitting by a river [blah, blah, blah]..." If you've never heard of Peter Rowan, you have no business blasting the makers of this film. It's CLEAR you are no expert!Yes, there is a great deal of talk and interviewing; this is not a concert film. It is; however, a must have for any bluegrass fanatic, especially those who have made the annual pilgramage to Kentucky for the IBMA's. Enjoy this one!

15Movie & TV

Gather at the River - A Bluegrass Celebration (2001)

12.58

39/43

1positive

Outstanding Bluegrass collection

A well balanced collection of some of the best players. An excellent selection of music, and just enough talk to stitch the performance parts together. I listened to it nearly every day for a week after I received it... the segments by the young players and foreign players are especially entertaining. You come away thinking that Bluegrass is the music of the future... really good-time DVD.

15Movie & TV

Gather at the River - A Bluegrass Celebration (2001)

12.58

4/4

1positive

An Interesting Compilation

Some of the songs on this DVD:Shall We Gather at the River (Peter Rowan & Hazel Dickens)That High Lonesome Sound (Nashville Bluegrass Band, Peter Rowan)Duncan and Brady (Johnson Mtn. Boys)Ramshackle Shack (Doc Watson)When I Paint My Masterpiece (Tim O'Brien & Del McCoury)Father I Stretch My Hand to Thee (Nashville Bluegrass Band)California Traveler (California)Sweet to Be Remembered (Mac Wiseman)Mountain Folks (Ralph Stanley)Wheel Hoss (Bluegrass Youth All-Stars)The Church Steeple (Tim O'Brien)Queen Anne's Lace (Del McCoury)Walls of Time (Peter Rowan & the Panama Red Riders)Interesting things about this DVD:1. You get to see a young Alison Krauss playing with Doc Watson & the Nashville Bluegrass Band!2. The Bluegrass Youth All-Stars (Cody Kilby, Michael Cleveland, Chris Thile, and others) show you just how good those guys were even back then.3. You get to see what bluegrass sounds like in Russian. :)The fault I found in "Gather at the River" was that there aren't enough chapters so it's hard to navigate. You have to pretty much memorize the order of the songs to find, for example, "California Traveler." That's a remake by the band California of "Arkansas Traveler," and it's so incredible I kept wanting to go back to it, but there's no chapter for it.There's quite a bit of talking on this DVD, also. But that's what you want if you're really interested in the background of this music and what makes it tick.

15Movie & TV

Gather at the River - A Bluegrass Celebration (2001)

12.58

3/3

1positive

essential stuff

if you're a fan of bluegrass music then you'll appreciate this dvd. the sound and video aren't the best there is, but the music and interviews are mighty fine, especially if you're a fan of del mcoury, he's featured in 3 songs on the disc. there's also a bit of a young michael cleveland jamming with doc watson that's very interesting, as well as the bluegrass youth allstars. i've had this on my wishlist for a long time, but i wish i would've bought it a lot sooner, just wasted time by waiting for the right price ($3.27). it's well worth the price that's up right now. buy it!

15Movie & TV

West of the Badlands (1940)

8.13

0/0

1positive

Adventures on the Frontier

West of the Badlands, 1940 film [This was also known as "The Border Legion".]The film says that in 1875 there was a vast stretch of land called Idaho Territory rich in land and gold where many outlaws sought a refuge. The story starts with men in wagons and horses going along a country road. A barrel falls off a freight wagon. A stowaway? Honest John Whittaker is a "promoter". Hurricane Hattie runs a tight ship. A young man can sing and play guitar for food. The US Marshal offered a $5,000 reward for the capture of the outlaws known as "The Border Legion". The stagecoach was held up, a lady passenger shot. The seven outlaws walk into Hattie's tavern. Steve Kells operates to save Alice Randall. The stagecoach driver recognizes the pinto horse as belonging to the outlaws. But the outlaws make their escape in a running gun battle. The stagecoach upsets on the rough road.We learn who Kells is shielding: Alice's brother. Honest John pays Hattie in stock certificates, not cash! Kells is taken to treat a patient. "You're the doctor." Some question the validity of Whittaker's claims. There is news of a rich strike at Alder Creek. Whittaker is released. Kells sings a traditional song at the outlaws' house. The Miles City bank is moving its gold! An opportunity for The Border Legion, who ride into town to rob the gold after it is loaded for transport. The people in town chase after them; more gun shots. Kells explains his role to the marshal, and how he can catch the outlaws. The outlaws free Kells from jail. Kells suggests knocking over the Alder Creek gold shipment. Jim Gulden will open a saloon in town so he can gather information.Whittaker is elected Mayor of Alder Creek on a promise of "law and order". He is now a rich man. Jim the saloon owner is the head of The Border Legion but untouchable (for now). Can Alice contact Kells? Sheriff Lahey agrees to this scheme. They plant a rumor about a gold shipment leaving at noon. Santos, Jim's man, learns about the plot to catch the gang. But Kells ties him up to prevent a warning. But Santos is clever and escapes to warn Jim, who will take action. But Kells has a counter plan that works. There is good news after The Border Legion is eliminated. There is a happy ending for Steve Kells now.This has an interesting and complex story that is entertaining and educational. Roy Rogers played varying characters in his movies. The good guy who is suspect and redeems himself by going undercover was a recurring theme in Westerns.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

2/3

1positive

Touching.

Very seldom do films based upon a literary work stay true to the original text. Even more rare are films that are successful in such a venture. ANGELA'S ASHES is such a film. The film is an almost word for word adaptation of McCourt's beloved memoir and is full of all the novel's pathos and sympathy. The characters are real and the story is moving.The narration of the film, both adds and detracts from the movie's impact. The novel was very depressing, but was also filled with a self-depreciating wit and humor that lightened the seriousness of the situations described. In the movie, almost all of the scenes that contain any humor are the ones that include the narration. At the same time, the narration often does distract the audience from the drama occuring on screen.The acting is superb and the story is touching. And even though I read the book and knew the outcome of McCourt's adventures, the movie left me in tears at the end. Great art tends to do that.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/0

1positive

Interesting

It is kinda boring but at the same time entertaining. The story just follows the life of the boy which is somewhat predictable by about 1/4 of the way through the movie. There are some funny parts and sad parts and a lot of parts to relate to, but still just a story about a boy. I suspect I would have like the book more as the story itself reminds me a lot of the book "Running with Scissors". I loved that book but found the movie to be a lot like this, entertaining but not even close to being as good as the book.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/0

1positive

A great taste of Ireland's History

Of proud Irish decent, I want to see every aspect of Ireland's history. This gives you a good taste of their ongoing hardships.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/0

1positive

Powerful

A family struggling to live day to day during a time of depression and adversity. We all should appreciate what we have today.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/0

1positive

great story

great memoir, liked "Tis" the best, now reading "teacher man", recommend all McCourts books, sorry to have lost him to the aging process.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/1

1positive

Poignant yet powerful

Based on Frank McCour's novel, set in rainy Limerick, this movie is both poignant and powerful. It shows the desperate state Ireland was at the time, and the difficulties the family encountered. It is sad, yet heart warming at the same time.It is a story of depression, poverty, love, hope and eventual success.Be warned, this is not a movie for the faint-of-mind. And it's a good idea to read the book first, though it has to be said it is a rather good rendition of the novel.The Xtras are good, featuring the usual cast / director interviews etc.But just in case, line up some-thing funny for afters...

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

3/5

1positive

importance

i perticularly liked this book, knowing how it feels to move counties and starting from zero. the reason i give it four stars is because the way this author described his story could not have been any clearer. he describes his feelings with a lot of dedacation which is why i liked this book.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

1/2

1positive

Great Movie

I received the movies shortly after I purchased it. Thank you for the quick shipping. I read the book prior to watching the movie so I knew I needed to see the movie to see how the comparison was. I really enjoyed it.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

1/2

1positive

angelas ashes

I was so impressed with the book that I had to get the movie. I thought the movie was a pretty good job that followed thr book although it is difficult to get all the info in a movie that was in the book. All in all the movie was very good.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

1/9

1positive

Frankie's lunar eclipse at the end of Angela's ashes

In this otherwise excellent film from artistic and social perspectives came to my attention a open inconsistency in the last minutes of this extraordinarily crafted work: the sequence of observing a lunar eclipse in the streets of Limerick has a duration of aproximately 60 seconds with the continuity given by the voices of the people during the phenomenon. I wonder if Parker couldn't show us a insight of the real duration of this natural happening (average duration of 60 minutes) using traditional narrative cinematographic techniques for shortening this duration to the interval demanded by the screenplay (likely about one minute). Was this unnatural slip made intentionally? That would mean a strange unnaturally short "period of darkness(poverty?)" for Frankie before returning him to America or there were a real not accounted mistake in the screenplay demmanding a sequence of 60 seconds instead of 60 minutes?

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

2/2

1positive

A Bit Of The Odd Manner, On the Screen

This review has been used to to comment on the book "Angela's Ashes". Many of the points made here aplly to the film. Read the book AND watch the movie.Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes" is probably the easiest review that I have had to write since I have been doing such reviews in this space. Why? Frank McCourt's book of childhood memoirs is my story. No, not in the details of his life's story, or mine. But rather in how being Irish, being poor and being uprooted affects your childhood, and later. And those traumas, for good or evil, cross generational lines. McCourt, we are told as his story unfolds, was born in America of immigrants of the Diaspora after Irish independence who, for one reason or another, returned to the old country in defeat in the 1930's. As McCourt notes right at the beginning, that fact in itself provides a rather ironic twist if one is familiar with Irish history (at least until very recently). He is, in any case, thus a child of the Great Depression and World War II, the generation of my parents, as it was refracted through Ireland during that period. I, on the other hand, am a child of the 1960's, the "Generation of `68" here in America born of the dreaded Irish Catholic-English Protestant combination- and raised in an Irish Catholic enclave. Nevertheless the pages of this memoir are filled to the brim with the results of the emotional (and sometimes physical scars) of being "shanty" Irish in this world that hit home to this reader.That said, we did not share the terrible effect that "the drink" had on creating his dysfunctional family with his father's, Malachy McCourt, crazed need for the alcohol cure to drown his sorrows and his bitterness and the fact that his great moment in life was his bit for "the cause" (of Irish independence). A familiar story in the Irish community here and in the old country but my father seldom drank, although he too was constantly out of work and shared with Frank's father that same bitterness about his fate. He was uneducated, lacking in skills and prospects and as a "hillbilly" Protestant Southerner from coal country down in Kentucky. Thus, an `outsider' like Frank's father. That is the commonality that caught my eye (and sometimes my throat) as I read of Frank's youthful trials, tribulations and adventures. McCourt's ability to tap into that "mystical" something is what makes this a fine read, whether you are Irish or not.Throughout the book McCourt's woe begotten but fatally prideful father is constantly referred to in the Irishtown working class poor ghetto of Limerick (and elsewhere, as well, but the heart of the story is told from there) as having an odd manner. This reflects a certain clannishness among those from the North of Ireland (Dare I say it, then area then known as Ulster) and a sneaking suspicion amount that crowd of some alien (meaning English Protestant) heritage. As the book progresses that odd trait is transferred (by heredity?) to Frank in his various wanderings, enterprise and desires. What joins us together then is that odd manner that gets repeatedly invoked throughout the book. Frank survived to tell the tale. As did I. But in both cases it appears to have been a near thing.There is more that unites us. The shame culture, not an exclusive Irish Catholic property but very strong nevertheless, drilled in by the clannishness, the closeness of neighbors, the Catholic religion and by the bloody outsiders- usually but not always Protestants of some sort (as least for blame purposes- you know, the eight hundred years of British tyranny although very real to be sure). All driven by not having nearly enough of this world's goods. Every time I read a passage about the lack of food, the quality of the food, the conditions of the various tenements that the McCourt family lived in, the lack of adequate and clean clothing I cringed at the thoughts from my own childhood. Or the various times when the family was seriously down and out and his mother, the beloved Angela of the title, had to beg charity of one form or another from some institution that existed mainly to berate the poor. I can remember own my mother's plaintive cry when my brothers and I misbehaved that the next step was the county poor farm. Ouch!And how about the false pride and skewed order of priorities? Frank's father was a flat out drunk and was totally irresponsible. From a child's perspective, however, he is still your dad and must be given the respect accordingly, especially against the viciousness of the outside world. But life's disappointments for the father also get reflected in the expectations for the son. The dreams are smaller. Here, the horizons are pretty small when a governmental job with its security just above the "dole" is the touchstone of respectability. Sean O'Casey was able to make enduring plays from the slums of Dublin out of this material. And Frank McCourt enduring literature. Thanks, brother.Note: The movie version of "Angela's Ashes" pretty fairly reflects the intentions of Frank McCourt in his childhood memoirs and follows the book accordingly, without the usual dramatic embellishments of that medium. The story line is so strong it needs no such "touch-ups". Particularly compelling is the very visual sense of utter poverty down at the base of Irish society in Frank McCourt's childhood.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

2/2

1positive

Me As A Critic

This movie I could watch over and over....Frank McCourt's novel was so moving, I had to see this film. It is was of the best films ever!!!

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

2/2

1positive

Transcending Poverty in Ireland

Frank and Malachy McCourt as children were living in poverty with their parents in New York, such destitution that the family was forced to return to poverty-stricken Ireland in order to survive. They were one of the few Irish families that viewed the Statue of Liberty on their way out of the harbor instead of coming in.Their father was a good man with serious flaws. He was unable to find work, and whenever he got some extra money, he spent it on booze rather than on his family. He was not an abusive drunk, but a pernicious one nevertheless. The mother was strangely passive at times. They lived in gray, dreary Limerick where it seemed always to be raining, and a pool of water sat in the downstairs of their house. The two brothers somehow thrived despite the gloomy life. Seeing them running through puddles, splashing each other, remaining somehow buoyant, helps to save the movie. Frank's confessions to various priests are priceless humor.In many ways this is a grim, sad story, but bursts of humor, great acting, and occasional evidences of humanity and generosity save it from descending into a completely depressing movie. Frank's days at school with the Catholic brothers are fascinating. The teachers rail against the British who dominated Ireland for so long.It is a story of transcendence over poverty. Based on Frank's book, it spares nothing as it shows the struggles he had to go through in life. The family faced deaths, debts, and a society that had little use for a family that had failed and returned from the city where the streets were paved with gold. The movie is made richer by those who have read the book.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

2/2

1positive

angela's ashes

this is a book that you do not want to keep returning to the library, get one of your own, it is that great!!! also "tis"by the same author: frank mc court. but be wary, you may book a flight to limeric, ireland!

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

2/2

1positive

'Tis Magnificent!

Frank McCourt has a way with words! His memoir of growing up poor in Ireland, with a drunk for a father and lazy, shiftless mother is written without malice. He and his brothers are left to their own devices to keep themselves fed, warm and clothed when Frank, the oldest is not even four years old. They live in a house where the main floor floods every year and they have to wade through the sewage to live in the remaining room upstairs until the water recedes. They grow so cold that they resort to tearing the walls apart for firewood. And yet his mother needs her cigarettes and his father needs his drink.Frank's tenacity and humor in the midst of such misery is his salvation. And it is what makes this memoir so poignant. His own parents and grandparents, neighbors and the Catholic church leave Frank and his brothers to their own devices for survival. And they survive! And go to America. And it's a true story.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

2/2

1positive

Should be manditory watching for everyone.

Never has a movie (and the book before it) been so heartwrenching and at the same time contain some wonderfully humorous moments. This true story of the lives of the McCourt family should be manditory reading/watching for everyone. You will never climb into your nice warm bed again without feeling a little bit guilty as you remember those who don't have nice warm beds to climb into. The perserverence of Frank McCourt and his brothers should be an inspiration to all of us. This is a movie you won't soon forget.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

2/2

1positive

Dark but Redemptive

All of the reviews that I've read of Angela's Ashes use words such as "depressing","somber" and "cold".I won't say that there are no merits in these descriptions but I do feel that at least as much notice should be given to the overall warmth of the movie. Despite a severely alcoholic father and an uneducated, mostly passive, and sick in spirit mother, and a seemingly bitter childhood,Frank McCourt manages to tell his story with tenderness and love for his people. The photography is excellent, managing to be beautiful even though the sets speak largly of decay. The dialog seems somewhat flattened and "americanized" compared to the book, but is still quite colorfull and wonderfully close to real. Robert Carlyle portrays McCourts father, a terminally unemployed alcoholic, with some tenderness for the character and I think captures the mirror image of McCourts' understandingly ambivalent memories of his father. At first Emily Watson's performance seemed to me to exibit a coldness that I saw as without motivation and distant, but as I began to truly understand the implications of the story I have come to think that an accurate rendition of McCourt's mother. Director Alan Parker handles this film in a straight forward manner.It is dark without being evil, it is touching without subjecting the audience to schmaltzy devices designed to influence emotion. As for redemption, the fact that McCourt could write his story with so much compassion, humor,and dignity, and have it accepted with so much goodwill around the world, seems like a victory to me.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

2/2

1positive

Good movie

I think angela's ashes is great...the movie isnt as good as the book, but pretty close. It captures the sadness of the family and it stays true to the book. I would recommed this movie to anyone that liked the book

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

2/2

1positive

Very Touching, Funny, and Inspiring

Most critics panned this movie, but I don't know why. I rented it despite the negative reviews, being a fan of the book of the same title by Frank McCourt.I was not disappointed at all. I found the movie to be very engaging. The entire cast was superb and the story was very good. OK, one problem: It could have been shorter. Other than that, it was a great movie.The story of Frank McCourt's childhood is universal and compelling. There is tragedy as well as comedy. AT the end of this movie, I was thoroughly satisfied.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

4/5

1positive

say what now?

I loved this movie, I bought it without ever having seen it because I loved the book so much. There are some hilarious scenes, and some sad ones. The one thing I advise is put on the close captioning/subtitles, The Irish accents are so thick you can't understand a word they say unless you're reading a long with them. "you think I'm trying to keep the Guiness family in business?!"

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

76/80

1positive

Wonderful child actors....

Well, I have to disagree with those who don't like this film. I read the book and I saw the film and the film is actually easier to take in some ways than the book. Both are pretty grim, there's no getting around that. Frank McCourt's childhood was a difficult affair.The film and the book are works of art. The job of the artist is to shake us up, to make us see what we did not see before. The Ireland that Frank McCourt experienced was poor, dirty, downtrodden and very Catholic. Although I am not Irish, I grew up Catholic, and his depiction of the RC clergy was right-on. I can remember at the age of eight having a nun scream so hard she grew red in the face. I was terrified.Well, read "Irish Immigrants and Exiles" if you think Mr. McCourt is exaggerating.The film faithfully follows the book and I thought the film was more "hopeful" than the book. The child actors who play Frank at three different ages are wonderful. Mr. Mccourt said that he thought the film was a wonderful film that exactly captured his family. Guess we have to trust his judgement.Whether you want to be subjected to this misery is another matter. The story reminds me of the films Carlo Ponti made about Italy after the War. Dirty, hungry children and pregnant 15-year olds. There are plenty of places still like that in the world, if only we can bring ourselves to look at them.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

21/23

1positive

Great movie

I enjoyed the movie, and of course movies sometimes are a bit of a let down from the book, but for those who rather just see the movie it does a fine job of telling the story. I read the book before seeing the movie and I thought they did a pretty good job, I do agree that there were some parts missing in the movie that was in the book. Emily Watson did a great job in this movie as well as each actor that played Frank McCourt. So regardless if you read the book or not I think you will enjoy this movie. And as for those, who think this movie is too Hollywood, well if that was the case then Frank's mom would have been played by Julia Roberts, his dad Tom Cruise, his aunt Britney Spears, and Frank would have been played by Will Smith, not to mention all the special affects they would have added to the movie. So I think it's a pretty good movie and recommend it.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

12/12

1positive

Affecting look at the human face of poverty

The trouble with making a movie out of a Pulitzer Prize winning book is that no matter how good and true to the book it is, it will usually be a disappointment. This has a lot to do with the difference between reading a story and seeing one. When one reads a book, it is usually done over time, perhaps a week or two. The words stir the imagination and the scenes described become images, usually more illusory than real. There is plenty of time for this process to work. A film, in contrast, is viewed over a period of about two hours, where the viewer is perceiving rather than imagining. The portrayals are well defined and no matter how creative the director, it is very difficult to create scenes that equal those of readers who have previously conjured fantastic images in their heads.I believe this is the reason this film was such a disappointment to so many viewers who had read the book. Thankfully, I saw the film first, so I had no preconceived notions. With that fresh perspective, I must say that it was outstanding.It the story is taken from the memoirs of Frank McCourt, who recounted his childhood in Ireland in the 1930's and 1940's. It is a poignant and compelling story of a poor family struggling to survive. The images are powerful depictions of the indignity of indigence in a world where hunger and disease were common and people went almost as frequently to the cemetery as to the market.Alan Parker brings us a starkly realistic view of McCourt's Ireland. He scoured Ireland to find a ghetto that brought forth the images described in the book, but after an exhaustive search, he decided to build the lane from scratch using McCourt's photographs. Upon visiting the set, McCourt said it was chillingly accurate and he couldn't believe he wasn't back home. Parker desaturated the color to give the film a very stark look, consistent with the squalor he was trying to portray. Paradoxically, the loss of color intensity intensified the power of the images. Though I'm not a big fan of this technique (I like rich and vibrant color), in this case it was the perfect choice.The film suffers a bit from excessive length, undoubtedly because there was so much to cover. However, when Parker bombards the viewer with disturbingly hopeless imagery for well over two hours, it becomes tedious. This is another advantage of reading a book. You can more easily put it down and come back to it. Parker sometimes overdoes certain ideas that he could have condensed. We could have done without half a dozen vomiting scenes and all the chamber pot activity. One or two such scenes would have gotten the message across.The cast was consistently excellent. Parker saw over 15,000 child actors before casting the three boys who played Frank at various ages. All three were wonderful, but my favorite was Michael Legge, the oldest Frank. He was the most hopeful person in the film, giving him character and determination, without losing his idealistic innocence.Emily Watson is a great dramatic actress and rose to the occasion to endow Angela with superhuman strength, courage and persistence in the face of crushing hardship and sorrow. Robert Carlyle was also terrific as Frank's father. He made the character a lovable man with fatal flaws. Despite his heinously irresponsible behavior squandering money on drink as his family starved, his charming nature and effusive affection for the children evoked as much love from us as disgust.This is a brilliant production. Though many who read the book were disappointed, I must point out that Frank McCourt, who wrote the book, was unabashed in praising it for its realism in capturing his impressions and feelings of the times. I rated it a 9/10. Other than a bit of overkill, this is superb filmmaking, giving us an affecting look at the human face of poverty.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

8/8

1positive

Dark but Redemptive

All of the reviews that I've read of Angela's Ashes use words such as "depressing","somber" and "cold".I won't say that there are no merits in these descriptions but I do feel that at least as much notice should be given to the overall warmth of the movie. Despite a severely alcoholic father and an uneducated, mostly passive, and sick in spirit mother, and a seemingly bitter childhood,Frank McCourt manages to tell his story with tenderness and love for his people. The photography is excellent, managing to be beautiful even though the sets speak largly of decay. The dialog seems somewhat flattened and "americanized" compared to the book, but is still quite colorfull and wonderfully close to real. Robert Carlyle portrays McCourts father, a terminally unemployed alcoholic, with some tenderness for the character and I think captures the mirror image of McCourts' understandingly ambivalent memories of his father. At first Emily Watson's performance seemed to me to exibit a coldness that I saw as without motivation and distant, but as I began to truly understand the implications of the story I have come to think that an accurate rendition of McCourt's mother. Director Alan Parker handles this film in a straight forward manner.It is dark without being evil, it is touching without subjecting the audience to schmaltzy devices designed to influence emotion. As for redemption, the fact that McCourt could write his story with so much compassion, humor,and dignity, and have it accepted with so much goodwill around the world, seems like a victory to me.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

8/8

1positive

An Unflinching Glimpse Of Survival

Adapted from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt's bleak but amusing childhood memoirs; it's the tale of a cheeky, dirt-poor Irish lad who survives starvation, neglect and disease in '30s Limerick and immigrates to America.Director Parker read Ashes before it was published and tried to buy the film rights. He was thrilled when asked to direct by producer Scott Rudin and even visited Limerick in '98, where he was struck by the hordes of Ashes devotees wandering the cobblestone streets, clutching well-worn copies of this book.Ashes is not quite It's a Wonderful Life. This unflinchingly Dickensian look at Irish starvation-level poverty is rough going, even with the humorous voice-overs. But McCourt was so pleased by the faithful adaptation, says producer David Brown, "he was mesmerized and in tears" after a London screening.As in most cases, the books movies are gleaned from reach greater depths and details, as authors have much more leeway. But, if Frank McCourt himself has Irish eyes a smilin' over this compelling adaptation--who am I to throw any Blarney stones?A passionate and moving film as is the book.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

8/8

1positive

Hardly A Disappointment

After reading the reviews of several film critics when Angela's Ashes first came out in the theater I sadly decided to veto the movie completly. Then my husband purchased the DVD version of the movie for me as a wonderful treat and I absolutly fell in love with it. I don't care what other people say about Angela's Ashes, it is a rare look into the life of a brilliant man, who forced his way out of a poverty stricken Ireland and made a wonderful life for himself in America. I praise Frank McCourt for his courage and his passion for writing such a heartwarming story about his family and life in Ireland, and Alan Parker, for bringing the book to life in such a dynamic way.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

10/11

1positive

A Film Totally True To The Book....And A Beautiful DVD

Frank McCourt's best-selling book is so good, and this movie is so true to it, that if you liked one, you'll like this because rarely has film been so close to a book. It's amazing, given what normally is the case.Even though the film brought no surprises, I still thought it was fascinating because of the fantastic cinematography in here and the great job done by the actors. The muted colors in this film are beautiful and the lighting is superb. Then again, it's hard to go wrong with a nighttime streetlight-lit shot of cobblestone streets. The directing talents of Alan Parker were never more evident than here. He should do more movies.The book, "Angela's Ashes," is a biography of McCourt and his extremely poor Irish family. All three boys who play McCourt at various times in his development are excellent here. The whole cast is excellent, for that matter, led by "Angela" (Emily Watson) and husband Malachy (Robert Caryle). Two sadder-looking faces, you never did see, and a more rainy, dreary town (Limerick) you never did see....so if you're looking a happy, uplifting story, pass this one by. However, if you want a film totally true to a great book, wonderfully photographed film and one acted well ....and with some unique humor to it, check this out.I don't want to leave out the humor, the key ingredient in McCourt's otherwise- depressing days of growing up. Humor and dire poverty never went together so well as McCourt made it sound through his book and the filmmakers did through this movie.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

7/7

1positive

Very Good Screen Adaptation of the Frank McCourt Novel

"Angela's Ashes" is for the most part an autobiography, but it also succeeds as a poingant coming of age story. Emily Watson turns in a workmanlike performance as McCourt's dedicated and determined mother. Robert Carlyle is outstanding as the alcoholic father, kind and loving but with the skewed sense of priorities that can only result from alcoholism. He plays this role to perfection.Those of you who are thinking about renting this movie should be advised that although it is quite good and well-acted, the viewing experience is not likely to be uplifting. Although this is not a motion picture about alcoholism per se, "Angela's Ashes" is much like that sort of picture in that it is incredibly depressing. I found myself several times comparing it to "Leaving Las Vegas", another incredibly powerful yet quite depressing motion picture. It's so powerful that I find myself not wanting to relive the experience, meaning it's unlikely I'll ever watch this film again. This is not a complaint but rather a testament to the power of this motion picture. The only complaint that I could make is that the pacing is painfully slow, as if to make the viewer suffer with the family. If that was the director's intent, he succeeded admirably.Overall, I must say that while "Angela's Ashes" is a very worthwhile motion picture, it does not entertain so much as it draws the viewer in and enlightens.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

1/2

1positive

Angela's Ashes Makes You Realize What You Have

I viewed Angela's Ashes. I felt it was a very well made film. The story is simple, but makes for a good movie. One gets the feeling from watching the film that you have been thrown back to Ireland in the 1930's. The acting is very good, especially the child actors. The movie is a little downbeat and depressing at the beginning, but once you get to know the characters in the film, the feeling of depression lifts and one gets involved in the people and their plight. I recommend this film as one to view once in your lifetime. People with connections with Ireland and the timeframe may want to view the film several times in their lifetime. For the casual viewer, one viewing is sufficient. The film provides a good history in terms of seeing how these people lived in Ireland during the depression. I recommend this movie. Language can get kind of salty at times. Good movie.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

1/2

1positive

Serious yet funny, too.

I'm not into the Irish thing, but this movie intrigued me. It deals with a completely serious topic -- the struggles of a desperately poor Irish family -- yet humor is injected into the McCourt family's dire circumstances. The Uncle Pat character was hilarious! I liked the way the story seamlessly transitioned from one era of young Frank's life to the other: In the blink of an eye, I saw a new and older Frank. It was very nicely done.The only drawback was the constant vomiting. Try not to watch this movie while eating! I think every major character had a go at it. By far the most hilarious vomiting scene occured when Frank vomited after receiving Holy Communion, causing his grandmother to complain, "I've got God in me back yard!"

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

1/2

1positive

!! Brilliant !! Screen Adaptation of the Frank McCourt Novel

Just a fantastic film, great casting. Photography was excellent capturing those sad moments and expresions.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

1/2

1positive

Very Sad

I went, and saw this in theatres and it was very sad, but it was 2 hrs. 40 mins but it's good. You'll like, it!

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

4/7

1positive

Alan Parker adapts Frank McCourt's memoirs

It took a while for me to get interested in "Angela's Ashes," and I was surprised to realize that the problem with the early part of Alan Parker's film was that the music was laying it on too thick. This is a surprise, of course, because the music is by John Williams. A narrator's voice tells us that there is nothing quite as bad as being raised in a poor Irish Catholic neighborhood and the music tries to nudge us in that direction. But seeing as how the words were enough to have me thinking of all the other cinematic examples of the lives of the poor in Ireland, the music was just a bother.The movie is based on Frank McCourt's Pulitzer Prize winning memoir and knowing that is important because despite everything that happens in this film--or, more properly, because of it--young Frank is going to make it back to America and become a success. The film begins with the irony of an Irish family on a ship passing the Statue of Liberty going east as the McCourt's leave New York City to return to Limmerick. Malachy McCourt (Robert Carlyle) will have no more luck there finding a job to support his wife, Angela (Emily Watson) and four boys, but at least there is a family that can provide some support and a dole that will pay 13 shillings a week (5 for the rent, the rest to feed the family). However, unemployment is not the only constant in the McCourt family. There are deaths and births, whipping from the teachers at the school and the drunken singing of Malachy, all of which become part of the cycle of Frank's life."Angela's Ashes" is a story about poignant poverty, where the humor of the situations tries to win out in the end. Clearly Frank loves both his parents despite the "shame" they bring upon the family, his mother because she will beg for the scraps from the priests' table and his father because he will drink away not only his wages but the money sent for a new baby. I have to admit to some disappointment that there is not a point where Frank turns on his father (the way he does on his mother at one point), because what limited value the man might have had does not make it to the screen. But then Frank never seems to connect the survival of his family to the shame his mother endures, both private and public.The movie covers three main stages in Frank's life and there are a trio of young actors who capture each stage and their respective crucibles. For Young Frank (Joe Breen) it is his first Holy Communion and the onslaught of confessions that it engenders. Middle Frank (Ciaran Owens) faces a serious illness that does not succeed in killing him but does force him to be humiliated by going back a grade. Then there is Older Frank (Michael Legge), who bears the grave responsibility for sending a young woman's soul to hell and is working as one of Satan's emissaries on Earth, writing threatening letters to those who are behind in their payments to the local moneylender.But for each crucible there is a corresponding minor miracle. My favorite is when Frank is ordered to write an essay on what would have happened if Jesus had been born in Limmerick, but the most significant one comes when for once in his life, a death becomes a blessing for Frank McCourt and every poor soul he knows in the lane. There are certainly moments of warm humor in this film, as there are moments of pathos, but somehow not quite as many as I would expect given the director and his source material. However, I am having an urge to track down my wife's copy of McCourt's book and am in "litigious anticipation" of reading it for myself and proving my grand suspicion that all of the limitations of the film version of "Angela's Ashes" are in the adaptation and not the original material.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/1

1positive

Great pre-owned copy

This is a wonderful pre-owned copy. I have been wanting to replace my VHS version of this film for years. The fulfilling company made sure to advise that the disc has scratches but plays fine, which is most definitely the case. This is a wonderful film and I am proud to add the DVD version to my collection.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/1

1positive

Angelas Ashes dvd

This was my favorite book and the dvd was so spot on to the book and I will look forward to keeping this now and in the future. I was thrilled with the condition and the item arrived very quickly.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

4/5

1positive

Absolutely Brilliant

I watched this movie, after reading the book and there are absolutely no discrepancies. Everyone is portrayed to perfection. There are no "Holywood" moments, no models to dazzle your eyes on the screen; however, you will be shocked by the circumstances these characters endure. Every now and again you will have to remind yourself.........this is not a "made-up" story, It's someones "LIFE STORY".....FOR REAL!

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

4/5

1positive

A weep, a smile and a laughter all in one story...

Misery has never been told in such a refined and glorious way.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

4/5

1positive

An Echo of the Book, but Still an Excellent Movie

I try to never get my hopes up when I see a movie based on a book I have read, espcially a book I like. Angela's Ashes was an intense reading experience. The movie captured most of the hopelessness, the sadness, and the innocence. I say most, but not all. A movie can only reflect part of the feelings and intensity of a book because it only has two hours in which to capture that book's tone and plot.If you love the book, you'll like the movie. Watch the movie then read the book all over again.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

4/5

1positive

Excellent adaptation

This movie is, how should I say it, pretty good. Very accurate screening, accurate acting, and very well made. I don't know some people degrade the movie for a few historical errors, but that hardly matters in the movie. All that it reminds me of a best-selling book successfully adapted into a feature-length movie.It's surprising how Maltin and Ebert rated this movie at **1/2 stars, JUST because "it was too dark, lacking warmth and humor." It has plenty of warmth and some humor and a bit dark, but a fine adaptation of McCourt's autobiography, I give it ***1/2 stars, or ***** stars for this review. Heck, even the author himself said it was "a wonderful adaptation of my book."Well, it goes to show how some critics are WRONG, and this movie should have a rightful Oscar nod.Rated R for language and nudity.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

4/5

1positive

'Tis a grand movie, indeed! :)

Although the book is, of course, grander than the film could ever be, I found this film to be an excellent interpretation of Frank McCourt's best-selling novel. The cast was phenomenal, especially the young men who portrayed the various stages of Frank McCourt's youth. In addition, I felt that I identified very greatly with the McCourt family plight. While the book gave wonderful and colorful descriptions, I liked seeing what I had envisioned in my own mind on film. However, I do feel that the movie allows us to feel more sympathy than we probably should have been allowed to for Malachy McCourt, Sr. (Frank's father). The book gives us a more unsympathetic, and probably more realistic, spin on the McCourt patriarch. Nonetheless, I do recommend this movie, especially to those who have already read the book and to anyone interested in the Irish culture.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

1/1

1positive

Powerful movie

I've never understood why critics who dislike this movie comment how the movie doesn't capture the humor displayed in the book. I disagree. I think this is an extremely well-made movie, adapts the book wonderfully (though it doesn't cover the ashes part of the title)and one powerfully acted, designed, scored (wonderful John Williams score) and directed movie. If I had two nitpicks it's that the three Franks don't look like they'd be the same person and the dead horse looks odd, but the latter is on screen for seconds and each one of the Franks are excellent in their own right. There's no wishing any of the other Franks were still playing the role. As soon as the years progress and we see a new Frank, the actor makes us forget the other two until the touching Eclipse scene. What I found interesting this year is finding faces I recognize from Ballykissangel (the superb BBC series). The entire movie may seem episodic but it goes full circle and I dare anyone to watch it without shedding a tear or two. But back to the humor issue, this film balances the hearbreak and the humor fantastically. I would highly recommend this movie.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

1/1

1positive

A real survivor!

I've long-loved this film from my initial viewing. It's an excellent example of how bad a person's life can really be without that person simply giving up or becoming so pessimistic and cynical, a positive outlook is lost. Mr. McCourt's spirit shines through in this painful and touching exposure of his past and his honest understanding of parental issues that could have mired any successful endeavor, but didn't is amazing.You never know how truly hopeless life can appear and this "Fighting Irishman" rose above it beautifully. It's an inspiration, to be sure.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

1/1

1positive

arguably one of the most depressing and bleak movies I have ever seen

This movie is worth watching once. I had not read the book, so I had no idea what to expect. It is arguably one of the most depressing and bleak movies I have ever seen. Poverty is rampant in this movie and I dont think it ever stopped raining through the movie. It didnt escape me that the only speck of noticeable color in the movie is Angelas coat. The acting is magnificent and the sets were very well done and believable.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

1/1

1positive

Not exactly like the book, but good just the same

I bought the DVD of Angela's Ashes after purchasing the audio CD of the book (which I highly, highly recommend). Starting with the audion CD, I was enthralled in listening to Frank McCourt's own voice (almost as if he was telling his whole childhood story just to me). I actually was so disappointed when the book ended (because it had me so captivated), I couldn't wait to see the movie. So, I bought it. Now, the strengths of the movie are that you get to see some beautifulm and tragic, areas of where the McCourts came from. The acting was pretty good. The bad part for me was that it seemed so depressing. It was raining constantly (which I know it does frequently in Ireland, but not every day and all the time. Even the audio CD talked of days with sunshine. I think the creator/director of the movie was trying awfully hard to make the McCourt's childhood similar to people living in some kind of an abusive/prison type setting. The audio CD had me laughing out loud at some of the most tragic parts of his life, as Frank inserted his phenominal sense of humor into everything. I didn't seem to get that same feel from the movie. Many scenes that were discussed in the book were either left out or glossed over in the movie all together. After hearing the CD, I felt enlightened, enchanted, craving to hear more of his life (so, I bought 'TIS last week). The movie just wanted to make me cry and get on my knees to thank God I wasn't raised in that area of Ireland during the 1940's. I recommend it only if you have read/are going to read the real book behind this. It is worth seeing to be able to relate to the town and scenery that you will hear/read about in the book.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/0

1positive

This is not yesteryear

I'm sure there are many people today that can identify with the circumstances in this movie, I was one of them.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/0

1positive

Angela's Ashes

Wow, truly an amazing story. Though there were horrific times, the writer was able to share some humor. The acting was great, especially by the children.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/0

1positive

Graphic, Ugly, and Sweet

A heartfelt story that draws the viewer right in from the first second to the last second. It's graphic and ugly and sweet all at the same time. One wonders how anybody could survive those conditions. Children were not treated particularly well; their questions were slapped away, literally. There was also a lot of classism and meanness during that period of time. Yet, through it all, the loyalty to friends and family shines with grace and love. The father is a tragic figure with great but wasted potential. The photography is almost black and white, evoking the stark feelings of poverty and travails of this family. Yet the music is lively allowing some joy to seep through the cracks of the family's ordeal.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/0

1positive

Angela's Ashes

This is a true story. Frank McCourt had a life that was quite unbearable. The squalid conditions and poor family relations would be difficult for anyone to endure. I did think there were some holes in the movie that I didn't quite understand, so I looked up the reviews of the book which helped a lot.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/0

1positive

painful and beautiful

Frank McCourt's memoir is filled with pain but also a wry wit and a gentle spirit. Much of that survives on the screen to evoke all those elements in the movie.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/0

1positive

cheryl

Heart renching and tear jerker as well. shows how the struggles of the immigrants and their fight here and at home country. Can identify with this movie as i am a second generation american and have a similar story to this one at least with my mother whose father left her being raised by his oldest sister in the US and left to another state

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

4/4

1positive

Glimpse of a different world

There are controversies around this film, which I discovered with a little web research after viewing it. This web search is something I try to do routinely after watching movies with an ideological or cultural bias. Movies, with their strong suggestive power, I think, leave us vulnerable to subliminally accepting the worldview of the director if he spins a good tale, so getting other perspectives is a reality check.As might be expected, some of the most negative critics, including actor Richard Harris, are or were residents of Limerick, Ireland. It does seem to me that in this story there is a pronounced negative slant against Limerick and its people, at least at the time of Frank McCourt's childhood. McCourt, who authored the book on which the film is based, evidently had many resentments from the rough treatment he received as a child at the hands of Limerick residents, his own family, and Irish Catholicism.If you buy everything the author and director had to say in their respective versions, you would probably acquire a negative perspective on Limerick and Irish Catholicism. My point is, that I don't believe we should form those types of opinions based on emotionally charged films.However, I based my four-star rating on my impressions of the movie before doing any research. I was immediately drawn in to this depiction of a world so vastly different from my own. It seemed to me there were many symbolic truths to this story, whether it was a literal depiction of McCourt's childhood or not.The extreme, oppressive despair brought on by poverty and discrimination is universal and could be set anywhere those conditions exist. Whether or not this story is completely factual, I felt it generated a powerful and convincing feeling of authenticity, consistent with itself in its depiction of the way in which extreme need and lack of opportunities destroy the basic humanity of people; some by losing their self-respect, others by becoming mean-spirited and callous.The portrayal of the alcoholic father whose behavior intensifies the destitution of the family seems inexcusable. I have to admit that I felt somewhat uncomfortable with the knowledge that these were supposedly true revelations about the author's immediate family. Personally, I can't imagine baring such family matters to the world, even if they were true.So, while I don't say the movie was enjoyable, I was strongly affected by its imagery, which challenged me to review my own perceptions of life. I thought the acting, particularly of the boy who portrayed McCourt at age 5 was outstanding. Visually, the film reinforced its story to the nth degree. It was this feeling that the film touched on deep human issues in a plausible way that kept me interested while watching it, more than the idea that these were occurrences which happened in a particular time and place. But, of course, the setting does add interest through its depiction of local color(mostly gray)and customs. It is in this area that I don't believe we should rush to judgment.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

3/3

1positive

Soon to be classic!

This is, in my opinion, the best movie ever. It is incredible honest and true to the original book. After seeing the movie, I ran out to get the book and was suprised to see how the movie followed the book so well! It's a must for all! The extra features on the DVD are wonderful.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

3/3

1positive

Extremely Moving

Even though the film keeps getting negative reviews I must say I enjoyed it thoroughly. Rarely do I become deeply moved by a movie but this one really did it for me. The thing that amazes me is how honest and simple, yet so powerful this movie is. There was no corny sentiment or any of that but it still is so touching. While other movies have to try so hard to reach that element of power, this movie gets all of it across by pure emotions demonstrated by such talented actors. I loved Robert Carlyle in Trainspotting and the Full Monty and this film was no different. He is a versatile and talented actor. I had never seen Emily Watson but I think her acting was superb. And the child actors were such stars too. I especially enjoyed Michael Legge's performance as the older Frank McCourt. I recommend it to anyone.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

5/6

1positive

Good adaptation

I bought this & didn't watch it for a a long time untill one very hot afternoon, I thought to forget the heat by visiting damp cold Limerick.The movie is very consistant with the story & the cast is wonderful but I found myself wondering if it would've made sense to me without having read the book. I doubt it. Franck & his family lead a horribly poor & unlucky life, at every turn when you think they're finally going to get a break they sink deeper into misery. Reading the book however, with the story narrated through the eyes of Franck with his odd humour & childish logic, makes more sense. The way he survived & prospered is a miracle, reading the book you somehow expect it, while the movie with its missing narrator & utterly grim theme makes you wonder how he could rise above all the misery....A great movie if you've read the book, but if you haven't, you won't get it!

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

7/9

1positive

Frank McCourt's life

This story stayed with me for very long time. I couldn't wait to get his next book "Tis".

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/2

1positive

Angela's Ashes Review

I received the DVD exactly as the seller promised. It was in good shape and played well. The cover also looked good. It was worth the money spent. I purchased two copies of the Angela's Ashes DVD to show to students in my literature classes. They enjoy watching the movie along with reading the book. The DVD's came quickly after purchase. Overall, I was satisfied with the quality of my purchases.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/2

1positive

FAIR

THE ONLY THING I DIDNT LIKE WAS IT DIDNT COME IN A BOX BUT IT WAS IN GOOD CONDITION.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/2

1positive

A valiant effort, but...

There are few touching moments in this movie, I would expect more from a film based on a world wide best-seller. It is about a troubled mother(Emily Watson), a drunken father(played well by Robert Carlyle), and their children.The movie is set in the 1930's in Ireland. It focuses on the hardship's the family must endure. It is also a coming-of-age drama. About Frank's(the lead charachter) dream to return to America. The child actors give fabulous performances. Carlyle, does well in a difficult role, so does Watson as his removed wife. Still, the film's resoloution is un-fulfilling, and you don't feel anything when the film is over.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/3

1positive

angela's ashes

very happy with dvd. it's a very good movie, i would recommend any one to buy this title

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/4

1positive

wow!

it was worth every penny!it came in three days and it was brand new like i had just bought it at a store. thanks

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

0/5

1positive

A good adaptation

Angela's Ashes is a lengthy adaptation of the Frank McCourt novel. Though it's longand boring at times, it's still meaningful in a special way. Meaningful because it deals with people living in poverty, and a lot of people live that way. This is a good movie in some ways, and a cool DVD.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

6/9

1positive

Excellent movie - Judge it on its own merits!

Before you read this review: I have NOT read the book so can't make comparisons between it and the movie, so I'm judging the movie in it's own right and not as a comparison to the book.Firstly, I must congratulate the director (Alan Parker) on deciding to cast Robert Carlyle and Emily Watson. Both of these actors bring a realism to this movie that is missing in many other movies with less than credible actors (like Cameron Diaz and Leonardo Di Caprio in Gangs of New York for instance). The Irish kids (their numerous children through the years) are also excellent and being Irish themselves also make it a pleasure to watch. No fake accents in this movie.But, that is a minor consideration, casting, accents etc... the story itself is excellent. Adapted from a Pulitzer Prize winner and with Frank McCourt's 'blessing' on it as well, this film kept me glued for the two plus hours it runs for. Even though it was sad seeing the poverty that McCourt grew up in, it makes you realize that there are many factors that keep people in poverty, part of it is a 'fault' of the economic system and part of it, the poor themselves. One cannot help but feel anger towards a father who decides to spend the children's money to 'help the Guinness family' or has a pint on top of his dead child's casket while his children wait to bury their brother. There are so many sad moments in this film, that it's hard to keep track of them or remember them all. But through all those moments when you feel that they have reached the bottom of the heap (e.g. when they got evicted with no place to stay) something happens and they manage to pull through it to see another day. This is a movie of the power of the human spirit to endure and come out of those trials and tribulations stronger.There are those moments in the film where there is some comic relief and most of these moments centre around the misunderstanding perpetuated by the petty prejudices of being Irish catholic. For instance when the McCourt's grandmother blames the texture of his hair on the fact that he's a protestant from the north, or when McCourt throws up after his first communion there is the grandmother's concern about what they should do since he spewed out God (completely non-biblical concept I might add).The ONLY thing that might be disappointing is the ending, it didn't feel complete but apart from that I don't think I can praise this movie enough, very excellently done and a perfect 6 out of 5. This is definitely one of those movies I am going to own and not rent and it gives me some faith in the Pulitzer people choice of winners. Watch this movie, highly recommended!

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

4/6

1positive

Unbelievely Great

When this movie was first released, I was skeptical about how a fabulous book such as ANGELA'S ASHES could be made into a movie. But my curiosity got the better of me and I found myself watching the words I read come to life on the screen.The story is about Frank McCourt, a young boy growing up in poverty in Ireland. The story tells of Frank's life starting at around the age of six or seven and continues until he is 16. It deals with many issues that faced people in the same situation as the McCourts- a fight between religions, hunger, as I mentioned before, poverty, etc. It also focuses on the love of family.Angela's Ashes is a beautiful video that teaches that a mother's love is one of the most important things in the world. I love this movie. The screenplay is delighful and well acted, with lovable characters and even a few that you may find yourself hating. Rent this movie! It's worth it.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

2/3

1positive

Does justice enough for me!

Overall, I think the film does justice to the book as justice as a film can do. Obviously, the film cannot convey the powerful emotion though to the viewer as well as the book does. The actors did a brilliant job, especially Emily Watson and teenage Frank McCourt, played by the attractive Michael leg. The film won my commpassion just as the book did. The sogginess of the settings perhaps slightly puts you off a visit to Ireland. Though it is also enriched with history, and the acrhitectual structures are simply amazing. The ending leaves you hanging, as when the film came to a conclusion I felt deeply unsatisfied. Someone tell Mr.Parker to get of his behind and make something of the sequel 'Tis!

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

2/3

1positive

A wonderful adaption

This did a fantastic job of adapting Frank McCourt's book by the same name. The acting and screenplay is superb and, thank goodness, the director (Alan Parker) did not take too many liberties with the original story.As with any book adaption, you will get much more out of this movie if you read the book first. If you ever intend to read the book, don't watch this movie yet. Read the book first, then watch the movie. Otherwise, you've got a great movie to watch.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

2/3

1positive

Life's Lessons In Angela's Ashes

Great movie, great cast. See Emily Watson's outstanding preformance as "Angela". Robert Carlyle also stars as the dad. Don't miss Michael Legge's break out preformance as "Frank" (oldest). And his friend "Paddy" (oldest) played by Laurence Kinlan. The times were hard but this movie was great.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

2/3

1positive

Excellant Movie

The movie is great, although I recommend reading the book prior to watching the movie, you get much more of the story...afterwards, you'll find the movie choppy, but that's like that once reading the book before almost every time....The movie is great. I love it...watch it time and time again. It's a true Memoir, which makes the feel it better.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

7/7

1positive

Absolutely Angela

As someone who read the book three times before seeing the film, and who watched the film with more than a dozen friends (some from Ireland) who loved it as much as I, I can only say "T'anks" to Alan Parker for doing the nearly-impossible...capturing the spirit of Frank McCourt's masterpiece! The unbelievably sad moments were there, as were the incredibly funny times that helped the McCourt boys survive their wretched upbringing. I thought the acting was universally excellent, and Parker did a marvelous job with his child actors ("Young Frankie" was a revelation)! My only criticism of the film had to do with John William's score...far too melodramatic, even considering the circumstances portrayed. Watch this with a loved one...and talk about it afterwards...the DVD is wonderful!!

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

7/7

1positive

Quintessential Cinema!

I've read enough of the bad reviews of those who read the book and watched the film. Not every book material is filmable and I'd say that from one who has read the book and watched the film, the film is a great triumph. Cinema is all about moving images and every frame (the cinematography is its crowning glory) in the movie tells a thousand stories - yes, even unspoken humor in the midst of all the misery, gloom and pathos - although that scene where the priest in the confessional had to have huge ears was a bit too much. There is a remarkable feeling of contentment after watching this movie. The book leaves a sense of longing in search of more and the movie fulfills it. This is what cinema should offer. It reminded me of De Sica's neo-realist films in the 40's and 50's. Parker has not disappointed me yet.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

6/6

1positive

I NEVER READ THE BOOK, But......

I never read the book, although my wife did and she was duly impressed by the film rendition. I fully enjoyed the DVD we rented and I have now BOUGHT a DVD copy from AMAZON.COM! I read the reveiws and fully believe that many of these critics were not fair to this film. I got not only a sense for the horrible poverty that the author lived through but the powerful character that was developed by all the adversity. Sure, this film shows the terrible childhood of the author but also has a great sense of humor that leaves a viewer with hope and compassion. Forget the negative reviews you may read by low-brows. BUY THIS DVD. The DVD has GREAT features, including a 5.1 dolby soundtrack, a wonderful behind the scenes "making of" and other GREAT indepth features. This film will remain in my library for when I need a little spiritual boost...where-in I will put it in my player and once again allow my spirit to soar. This was and is a very good film.

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

6/6

1positive

An honest narrative of courage to rise above life's blows...

Having grown up in a family where my father's substance abuse problem was a daily issue, and where often times our own lives were threatened by the destructive consequences alcoholism can bring (along with hunger and desperation), watching "Angela's Ashes" was no easy task. Many times, reminded of the feeling of hopelessness I once experienced, I had to take a deep breath due to the stirring of emotions the movie was affecting in me - how could such an accurate and detailed account of my life be put into the big screen without my previous consent? I consider this movie a masterpiece (the acting is unique), but those who have survived alcoholism in their own families and who have, at any particular point in their lives, just "gone through life without the feeling of being alive, and just moved on out of stubborn determination when nothing offered any hope" will be able to appreciate this movie to a deeper level. Frank McCourt, you are a survivor, and you've done a terrific job growing up as a young lad, going against all the odds, obstacles and blows life inflicted on you. Many will benefit from your courage to put in writing the narrative of your deepest sorrows, frustrations, dreams and ambitions - Alan Parker's directing skills kept your narrative honest, and the final product only falls short when compared to life itself!

15Movie & TV

Angela's Ashes (Die Asche Meiner Mutter) [DVD] [Region 2] [German Import] (2000)

2.99

11/13

1positive

moving drama

In the very opening scene of Alan Parker's `Angela's Ashes,' we are informed by the narrator and main character, Frankie McCourt, in a phrase that turns out to be a masterpiece of understatement, that he had a `miserable childhood' - but just how miserable we may not be quite adequately prepared to see. Based on the author's Pulitzer Prize winning autobiographical memoir, this compelling film plunges us directly into the wretchedness and squalor of life in Depression-ridden Ireland, a setting overflowing with disease, starvation, joblessness and despair. Indeed, by the time the film has hit the 25-minute mark, we have already witnessed the deaths of no fewer than three of Frankie's little siblings. The film, like the novel on which it is based, never flinches from portraying the brutal reality of the life the people of this dreary town must endure.Yet, the film is also, at times, rich in humor and a sense of that unquenchable optimism that somehow exists in even the most hopeless of circumstances. Frankie, despite the harsh conditions of his life, remains a boy focused on the good things that come his way, enduring even a loving but utterly irresponsible ne'er-do-well father (beautifully played by `The Full Monty's Robert Carlyle) with an indulgence and tolerance borne of filial devotion. As Frankie grows from young boy, dutifully fulfilling the parental role for his younger brothers, to a man verging on the edge of adulthood, he feeds on his dreams of moving to America to start a new life full of hope and promise. The people and situations he encounters on this road create a stunning tapestry of life, teeming with bitterness and coldness it is true, but also with occasional, albeit momentary, displays of warmth, kindness and compassion - whether they be from a seemingly bitter aunt who, much to his astonishment, buys Frankie a brand new set of clothes in which to start his new job, a teacher who inspires him to see life beyond the circumscribed limits of this dreary Irish town or a compassionate priest who counsels Frankie in a moment of dark despair. These help to counterbalance the deadening effects of his father's thoughtlessness and drunkenness, the death of his first love by consumption, the often brutal treatment he receives at the hands of both his teachers and fellow classmates. And all the while there stands his mother, the anchor that holds him firmly in place, a woman beaten down by poverty, the untimely deaths of her children, the fecklessness of her otherwise loving husband - yet a woman so full of the quality of stoic self-sacrifice that it is from she that Frankie draws the strength he needs to move on in his life.Emily Watson provides a luminous portrait of this woman, triumphantly conveying the longsuffering reserve that helps shield her from the ugliness and dreariness of her life and provides her with the strength to carry on and build into her children a sense of moral rectitude. And the three boys who portray Frankie at various stages of the drama are utterly perfect in their wide-eyed naturalism, as they look upon a world often incomprehensible in its drabness and cruelty.It seems to be becoming a truism lately that, if you want to see the bleakest portrayal of life imaginable, go to see a film set in Ireland. Nowhere does the sun shine less frequently, nowhere do the drab colors of gray and brown so heavily predominate, nowhere does poverty seem so all encompassing and inescapable. The Ireland of `Angela's Ashes' is surely no exception. The filmmakers, moreover, cast a scathing eye on the mindless superstition, bigotry and hypocrisy to be found in much of the blindly pro-Southern Ireland, anti-Protestant, anti-British, anti-Northern Ireland attitude perpetuated by the Catholic Church there in the 1930's. Thus, in the depths of McCourt's autobiographical story lies a diatribe with its roots planted deep in political and social protest. Yet, because of our fascination with the boy at the center of the narrative, these qualities filter through subtly, never dominating the proceedings. `Angela's Ashes' is rather, from beginning to end, a moving story about goodhearted, ordinary people learning to cope with the immense hardships life throws their way. In the long run, it certainly makes one happier with one's own lot in life. `Angela's Ashes,' for those who can take its uncompromising view of reality, is a richly rewarding experience.

15Movie & TV