Evelyn (2003)

Evelyn

This movie warmed my heart and I am wondering why it never made it into the theaters,at least in my part of the country. Pierce Brosnan did a fantastic job as Desmond Doyle. Sophie Vavasseur's portraial of Evelyn's simple and guileless faith was touching. The movie presented the very real feel of Europe in the 50s. I grew up in Germany. The little touches, like Desmond heating up milk, brought back memories (hot milk with dry congealed "skin" was a breakfast staple before pasteurization). The central point though was the battle of the little man against the sometimes insane, rigid rules of the day - which few people of that era had the guts to challenge. I was cheering for Desmond all the way and was glad that this true story had a happy end. September 12, 2008

"To fight church and state is to fight Goliath"

"Evelyn" is based on the true story of Desmond Doyle, an Irish father who lost his children to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in 1955 when his wife left him. He contested the Irish Childrens Act based upon its conflicts with the Irish Constitution and won back custody of the family.

Pierce Brosnan plays Doyle in this film. His eldest daughter, Evelyn is played by Sophie Vavasseur, who is quite serious and convincing.

"Evelyn" is an excellent film, but not for younger children due to language and drinking. While the story does cover the Irish Supreme Court's decision, it is not strictly a courtroom drama.

Evelyn Doyle wrote three books based on the life story of her family:

Evelyn

Tea and Green Ribbons: Evelyn's Story

Nothing Green March 15, 2008

CUTE FAMILY MOVIE

BASED ON A TRUE STORY, LOVE THIS ONE PASSING IT AROUND AS A GIFT, February 21, 2007

GREAT SERVICE

RECIEVED MOVIE W/ IN 7 DAYS OF ORDERING. ITEM WAS CHRISTMAS PRESENT & IT ARRIVED IN NEW CONDITION AS PROMISED. WILL BE USING THIS SELLER IN FUTURE. ****DO NOT USE HERMAN STREET FOR ANY PURCHASE- THEY ARE CROOKS, THEIVES & LIARS**** January 19, 2007

Formulaic but inspiring

Formulaic tear-jerker based on a true story in which an unemployed, heavy drinking Irish father attempts to win back his children from the clutches of the Church-dominated child protection systen after their mother walks out on the family. Actually found this quite a pleasure to watch, although there were a few hoaky elements that were a little annoying. In this day and age when we're daily bombarded with the feminist-inspired notion that fathers are by and large deadbeat scum, its good to such a positive story about a man whose love for his children supercedes all else. December 21, 2006

More reviews at Amazon.com ...