» The Incredible Hulk

» The Happening

» Fido

» Good Luck Chuck

» The Incredible Hulk

» Bollywood rewards best

» Prince Caspian

» Definitely, Maybe

» Dutt eyes Indian politics

» Still got the sparkle

Today, 20 August 2008

» Violence erupts at schools

» Disturbing image of sword killer

» School attacks: Blame who?

» Olympic fashion shocker

» 'Fertile' killing grounds

Yesterday, 19 August 2008

» Satanic spree shocks SA

» Readers back Scorpions

» Secret Olympic Diary

» Disturbing image of sword killer

» Dictators 'R' Us

Alan Parker's textured adaptation of Frank McCourt's poignant memoir, "Angela's Ashes", is both a faithful and a stylish recreation of the best-selling book.

"Angela's Ashes", Frank McCourt's best-seller, has been read by millions of people across the globe and has raked up an ever-growing $40-million in sales. A transition to the cinema was an inevitability, and now McCourt's story about his formative years in poverty-stricken Ireland can be seen on the big screen.

Directed by Alan Parker, the versatile veteran film-maker who made "Midnight Express", "Fame" and "Mississippi Burning", "Angela's Ashes" is Parker's return to life on the Emerald Isle since his well-received Irish production, "The Commitments".

Young Frank McCourt is born in Brooklyn, New York, at the height of the Depression. In order to be closer to their kin, Frank and his family move to their native Ireland to ride out the Depression.

Frank's parents are played by two exceptional actors worthy of the highest praises. His mother, the titular Angela, is portrayed by Emily Watson ("Breaking The Waves", "Hilary And Jackie"), who manages to look enchanting and dignified without even a spot of make-up and surrounded by the most grimy of circumstances.

Robert Carlyle ("Trainspotting", "The Full Monty") plays Malachy, Frank's alcoholic father, who spends the few coins he has on Guinness at the local pub instead of putting food on the family table. It is a self-deprecating performance delivered at perfect pitch.

Frank is played by three different actors (Joe Breen, Ciaran Owens and Michael Legge), depicting the character in various stages of growth. Through Frank's eyes we see some of his siblings die of starvation, endure the humiliation of his mother as she begs for work and food, and follow his father down the abyss of despair.

But, amid all the suffering, McCourt's tale is peppered with optimism emphasising the courage and determination of the human spirit.

Parker fills each frame with oodles of style and, after the disappointing "Evita", can consider "Angela's Ashes" a return to form.

"Angela's Ashes" has been nominated for Best Original Score.