This is a wonderful movie. I admit this movie is manipulative, and probably exaggerated for purposes of drama, but what based-on-a-true story movies aren't? At least it goes after the right things: a father having custody of his kids, rather than them being forced to live in an "institution."The story is based a true situation in the mid 1950s Ireland in which, in the end, the Irish Constitution was amended because of this case. "Desmond Doyle" (Pierce Brosnan) is the loving father whose wife runs off one day with another man, leaving him with three little kids and little visible means of support. Since he didn't have enough finances, the government makes the kids wards of the state and places them in Catholic schools-homes (institutions?).On that Catholic, or "religious," angle, you get a lot of positive and negative scenes here. You have a bad, nasty almost sadistic nun "Sister Brigid," but the others are fine caring ladies, as they should be. Overall, however, you see a lot of faith portrayed in this film and it's mostly good. Of course, that faith was more out in the open in the '50s than today, but it was inspiring to see in many parts.Brosnan is excellent in the lead role, a man everyone can identify with: a loving but flawed man. He drinks too much, he swears, he doesn't have a steady job but he has great heart and has great determination to the right thing. One has no trouble rooting for him in this story. I think it's the best role he has ever played, far better than his superficial James Bond or thieves roles he normally plays.But nobody hits you as emotionally as little Evelyn (Sophie Vavasseur), one of Doyle's three kids and the one that is focused upon here. (The two little brothers are not given much screen time, for some reason.) Brosnan's allies in here - the two lawyers (played by Stephen Rea and Aiden Quinn) are likable as is Alan Bates who plays a rugged ex-barrister who winds up helping the team. Bates might have had the best role for the supporting actors.This is such an involving story, one that you really care about the people, it can bring a tear or two in the end, but what's wrong with that? When you are finished watching this film, you feel good.

Most of the portrayals in this movie were exceptionally well done and for the most part authentic. The interaction between Pierce and Sophie was absolute perfection. All of the cultural aspects of living in Ireland mid- twentieth century are in place, and the story is one you are not likely to forget. One exception in the cast line up is Julianna Margulies whose character is too one-dimensional to be believable and instead of being sympathetic just fades into the background. A strong performance by Aidan Quinn as an American lawyer visiting Ireland were very supporting, if not entirely the truth. My largest complaint for seeing it in the theater was that much of the movie was filmed too darkly and it was difficult to view. The DVD conversion has corrected this problem and it is no longer an issue. The central theme of this film is one of the church having too much judicial power in Ireland is dealt with very strongly and was highly effective. I would recommend this movie on all counts.

Evelyn (2002) is a heart-warming film based on a true story about a man, Desmond Doyle (Pierce Brosnan) who finds himself down and out when the Irish courts rule that his three children, Evelyn (Sophie Vavasseur), Dermot (Niall Beagan), and Maurice (Hugh McDonagh) are to be remanded into the custody of a Catholic-run orphanage after his wife leaves him the day after Christmas.This film tugs at your heart strings, but surprisingly not to the point of tears. And, as it is based on a true story, it brings that much more warmth to your heart. Pierce Brosnan and Sophie Vavasseur really shine in their respective roles. Certain scenes are a bit to-the-point, as if a little more dialog could've been added and the film is relatively short, clocking in at an hour and a half, but nevertheless, it still succeeds in taking you on a journey with Desmond Doyle as he fights for his family.VERDICT: A lighthearted fare that any parent can appreciate and that pretty much anyone sympathize with. Recommended to any parent or anyone in search of a light, heart-warming film.6.5 out of 10.0

Oh my gosh, this one is just awful. It's one of those movies where, after you've watched it, and spit up whatever you just ate, you have to say, "Why did all these quality people agree to appear in this pitiful movie?" Aiden Quinn sleep-walks through it, at least Alan Bates (who has sadly gotten old; I kept thinking about 'An Unmarrried Woman' through all his scenes)gets to have a little fun, but Juliana Margulies? Has there ever been a less appealing role for a somewhat talented actress? Pierce Brosnan is sure good looking. He can't sing. Ireland is pretty. And that's not enough to float this pitiful little flick, unless you love child actresses who chew scenery, and a screenplay that'll make you spew sugar tablets.