It's 1953 Dublin, Ireland. Desmond Doyle (Pierce Brosnan)'s wife runs away with another man abandoning their three kids. He is unemployed and his mother-in-law reports him to the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children. The court takes Evelyn, Dermot and Maurice away to Catholic orphanages. Barmaid Bernadette Beattie (Julianna Margulies) sends him to her lawyer brother Michael (Stephen Rea). Evelyn gets hit by brutal Sister Brigid. Desmond cleans up his act and starts working. However, he's now required to get the consent of his wife. Nick Barron (Aidan Quinn) is Bernadette's American suitor.It's an interesting story done with straight forward sentimentality. Little Evelyn is probably the most compelling character but this is more Pierce Brosnan's movie. At times, the movie gets stale with the David and Goliath legal battle. There is nothing surprising or terribly original in that. Sophie Vavasseur really wins in this movie but it just means that the movie misses her when it goes away from her. Desmond is not necessarily that sympathetic. He's a drunk and I get the sense that his story is whitewashed a bit.

I saw bits and pieces of this movie,Evelyn, today. I really would like to watch it again in its entirety. Does anyone know when it will air again and on what network? It is a wonderful story. The all star cast is great esp. Aidan Quinn and Pierce Brosnan. Also, does anyone know if it is based on a true story? I've never heard of the movie before today. It makes for good holiday programming during the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays even though it does not contain a holiday theme. It's heartwarming family-type appeal, I think, would be well received during this time of year. I would strongly urge Oxygen or the Hallmark channel to run it again. There should be more movies and programs such as this on TV these days promoting family values and wholesome settings for our children. So much of television is just wasted time and it is better left off. "Silence is golden"!

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.

This a good movie because it is easy to understand, has sympathetic, likable characters, the actors play their parts well and it's good in nature.The story is none to complex and flows well, I saw this late on new year's eve and understood it clearly. The cast and all play their parts well. I felt really sorry for Pierce Brosnan, being abandoned, losing his kids, having the system against him and having a huge fight on his hands. Nonetheless he holds his head up high and has a real pally attitude. Frank Kelly (Father Jack from Father Ted) plays a kind hearted grandfather well. In the best character ranks is also Sophie Vavasseur as Evelyn, who steals the show, shes a brave and defiant cookie in the institution and the court.It's also good in nature with Brosnan's family sticking together, along with the support he receives from Frank Kelly, Julianna Margulies, the lawyers, and pub patrons. It's also good natured with the concept of the sun through the clouds being Frank Kelly looking down from heaven.It's also good as an expose of over the top and out dated morals being injected into government (generally speaking). Even though Brosnan was dumped by a wife who clearly wasn't interested in staying, he genuinely made an effort to care for the children. But the law ruined everything.But politics aside it's a simple, pleasant, story, involving strong sympathetic characters, played by a good cast. A 9/10.The final scene in the court with the third judge repeatedly saying however was a classic.