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Based on the best selling autobiography by Irish expat Frank McCourt, Angela's Ashes follows the experiences of young Frankie and his family as they try against all odds to escape the poverty endemic in the slums of pre-war Limerick. The film opens with the family in Brooklyn, but following the death of one of Frankie's siblings, they return home, only to find the situation there even worse. Prejudice against Frankie's Northern Irish father makes his search for employment in the Republic difficult despite his having fought for the IRA, and when he does find money, he spends the money on drink.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By Andy Millward
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Over the years, there have been many books and films portraying survival through the extremes of poverty and tragedy, alcohol and death, but few manage to achieve it with such grace and lack of sentimentality. Full credit to Frank McCourt and Alan Parker for avoiding the cliches of Hollywood tearjerkers, but in particular for a vivid reconstruction of life in Limerick in the 30s and 40s, populated by humorous, complex and finely-drawn characters. In particular, Emily Watson, Robert Carlyle and the three actors playing McCourt himself emerge with tremendous credit.
In fact, I managed to avoid any tears but felt uplifted by the whole experience, not least by hearing McCourt himself commenting on the film and his memories. Watch, and be grateful for your own life.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
having read the book and not wanting to get to the end of it, I bought the movie and it was as true to the book as a movie can get. the actors especially the children were excellent. well worth the money. Maura.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By muttmummy
Format:DVD
What a dream of a film is Angela's Ashes - magical.
I saw the film BEFORE I read the wonderful book (get it now!!!) and was prepared for what you almost always get - something completely different. Not so. As the other reviewer said, the film is amazingly loyal to the book - save for the odd thing here and there, which detracts so very little from the general feel of the book which has translated so well onto the screen in this case.
Frank is just the same in the book - and the atmosphere of constant hunger, cold, damp and desperation is brought to life just as it feels in the book.
The book is more humourous in tone than the film, BUT the film still strikes a good balance I think.
In the book, you get more background into Frank's father which will help explain his actions and eventual abandonment of his family. That was the only thing with the movie - that you were left a bit unclear why or how Malachy Snr could have walked away like that. It is something of a loose end. That aside, I was captivated from the first frame to the last and this must be one of the best films I have seen in a long time.
The result is a tender, bitter-sweet, nostalogic, heartrending tale of a wee lad from Limerick caught up in shocking poverty, and such trying circumstances. How the poor lamb soldiers through it is a wonder, and you cannot get through the film (or the book) without real admiration for Frank and his family and how hard they strive to cope together.
The locations really do give the right feel to the places Frank lived and played in, and the casting is superb - especially the little guy that plays "little" Frank. Oh, he's a treasure to watch.
A must see - a must have: as is the book which you simply cannot go without reading.
Truly touching.
I saw the film BEFORE I read the wonderful book (get it now!!!) and was prepared for what you almost always get - something completely different. Not so. As the other reviewer said, the film is amazingly loyal to the book - save for the odd thing here and there, which detracts so very little from the general feel of the book which has translated so well onto the screen in this case.
Frank is just the same in the book - and the atmosphere of constant hunger, cold, damp and desperation is brought to life just as it feels in the book.
The book is more humourous in tone than the film, BUT the film still strikes a good balance I think.
In the book, you get more background into Frank's father which will help explain his actions and eventual abandonment of his family. That was the only thing with the movie - that you were left a bit unclear why or how Malachy Snr could have walked away like that. It is something of a loose end. That aside, I was captivated from the first frame to the last and this must be one of the best films I have seen in a long time.
The result is a tender, bitter-sweet, nostalogic, heartrending tale of a wee lad from Limerick caught up in shocking poverty, and such trying circumstances. How the poor lamb soldiers through it is a wonder, and you cannot get through the film (or the book) without real admiration for Frank and his family and how hard they strive to cope together.
The locations really do give the right feel to the places Frank lived and played in, and the casting is superb - especially the little guy that plays "little" Frank. Oh, he's a treasure to watch.
A must see - a must have: as is the book which you simply cannot go without reading.
Truly touching.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
emotive, enthralling and totally captivating
read the book (obv) but this is an amazing film too. watch it. You won't be disappointed! One of my Faves!
Published 17 hours ago by NaomiKelly
5.0 out of 5 stars
Angela's Ashes DVD.
A truly great film, I would urge everyone to see it..Once agaain Zoverstocks fail to amaze me. Arrived before I could blink, packaging superb, and the casing and quality of the DVD... Read more
Published 11 days ago by Kleinman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really shows you what life was like in Ireland.
Being Irish myself, i heard about this film from my mother who praised it greatly, i decided to buy it online after it being about 15 years since i last saw it (i couldnt remember... Read more
Published 17 days ago by K. Short
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sad film but amazing
This is a sad film but it is wonderful. A gorgeous story of strength and I cannot fault the film. Recommend it to anyone that likes a great film!
Published 1 month ago by James Doris
5.0 out of 5 stars
Today's society should be made to watch this film.
So, very sad but top rated because it demonstrates how 'poor' really meant 'poor'. People today complain of being poor. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Satisfied customer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good service
Arrived within days, impressive service. A very good price for a brand new DVD, would order again from this company.
Published 1 month ago by Annie
4.0 out of 5 stars
very sad
shows the real story of how people struggled against poverty, also highlighted the divide between catholics and prostestants and the north south divide in ireland
Published 1 month ago by jude
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Pleased
I rated this five star as it was good quality and arrived quicker than i expected. I would recommend this product to anyone. Very pleased.
Published 2 months ago by Hannah
4.0 out of 5 stars
Film Club
I love this film, although it is sad in places it also has a funny side to it. I recommended it to our film club and it was enjoyed by everyone, Will certainly watch it again.
Published 3 months ago by Mrs Mavis Neilson
1.0 out of 5 stars
Can not compare with the book at all
I hated this dvd as I just finished reading the book Angela's ashes and dvd misses so much info that you get in the book. I was very dissapointed.
Published 3 months ago by Anna
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