Pierce Brosnan Movie:

Editorial Review:
With a gentle tug at the heartstrings, Evelyn tells the true story of an imperfect father whose devotion brought much-needed change to rigid Irish law. It's a labor of love for star and coproducer Pierce Brosnan, who brings just the right touch of Everyman charm to his role as Desmond Doyle, a struggling Dublin tradesman, father of three, and chronic pub-crawler whose wife abandons their family the day after Christmas, 1953. Desmond's a loving father who's boyishly irresponsible; Irish law dictates the removal of his children to stern Catholic orphanages, and his battle for custody is aided by two lawyers (Stephen Rea, Aidan Quinn) who seize this opportunity to revolutionize the courts. With straightforward, unobtrusive style, director Bruce Beresford draws fine performances from Brosnan, Julianna Margulies (as a barmaid who inspires Desmond's sobriety), and especially young Sophie Vavasseur in the title role as Desmond's bright, determined daughter. Sentimental without being saccharine, Evelyn is simple, well made, and bursting with genuine Irish spirit. --Jeff Shannon

Evelyn [Region 2] Reviews:
Makes a great gift!
2009-10-26 - My mother and father bought this movie and have shown it to everyone they know. they love this movie and i have to admit it is a very good movie. My parents copy of this movie has worn out and they need a new copy so I bought this to replace the copy that they have worn out be watching so many times.

LOVED it!
2009-10-16 - This is a beautiful, heart-warming film that I just adore! I loved it from start to finish. I love Irish films, and when I saw the trailer for this a few years back I knew I would adore this movie. The storyline, basically a father fighting for his children, is interesting, though sad, and the film itself kept me captivated and interested from beginning to end. It has a fantastic cast who really contribute great acting. The little girl who plays Evelyn is adorable and does a wonderful job, and her title character is so strong, smart and wise beyond her years. I definitely shed a few tears in this movie and laughed a few times as well. I really enjoyed it and look forward to watching it again and again. I agree with others who have said that this movie deserved more accolades. The acting really was superb and the plot is well-developed. If you are a lover of Irish films I would highly recommend this movie to you. It doesn't disappoint!

Sweet, simple little gem of a movie
2009-09-06 - I read several comments expressing surprise that this film did not make any kind of splash in the theaters. This hardly surprises me. For so long now, the industry has been single-mindedly focused on promoting movies that, in one way or another, have a larger-than-life quality to them. They pitch non-stop action, suspense, immense grandeur, all star casts, sweeping, epic sagas, etc..... "Evelyn" is none of these. It does not have a dozen wild plot twists. There are no astounding special effects. The cast is not bloated with superstars. Instead, this is a fairly simple little story. It could be called sentimental, but it is not one of those sticky-sweet shows that transparently tries to work a tired tear-jerker formula on the audience. It tells a true story, simply and tenderly. The cast does a wonderful job without over-doing it. The scenes touching on the perspectives of the children unfold with a captivating sensitivity to the way most children actually perceive their world. We are shown their sometimes magical view of things without drifting into obviously cinematic fantasy sequences. Simple rays of sunlight on a little girl's fingers can momentarily prove as touching and enchanting as many a familiar excursion into computer generated wonderlands.
For those seeking adrenaline rushes, jaw-dropping visual extravaganzas, etc., etc....... you might as well look elsewhere. "Evelyn" is a very moving, stirring little film, but probably only for those who are willing to settle into its gentle, intimate little reality. Of course, part of the fun in experiencing this true story lies in the discovery of how the struggles of its characters ultimately brought about major legal and social change in Ireland where it all takes place. It might be noted that all those who enjoy films featuring a rich sense of Irish life and culture, should take great delight in this offering.

Good family story
2009-06-22 - Though I thought this movie would be a typical Pierce Brosnan movie I was pleasantly surprised. This is a well told story with a happy tear jerker ending. In my opinion one of Pierce Brosnan's best as is brings out the heart and soul of the people the story was about. I will watch it again and again

An important story about a father's love
2009-03-26 - Based on a true story, Evelyn recounts the case of Ireland's first single father to successfully sue for custody of his children. Pierce Brosnan plays the part of the father, Desmond, whose children are removed from his custody and placed in orphanages following the desertion of his wife.

Starring Pierce Brosnan, Juliana Marguiles and Aidan Quinn, this heartwarming story follows the transformation of a father who fights to reunite his family and manages to help change Irish perception and policy in the process.

Faith, music, and Irish charm are other pleasing facets in this gem of a movie.