a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

In 1953 Dublin, Ireland, unemployed "painter and decorator" Pierce Brosnan (as Desmond Doyle) makes Christmas happy for his poor family of four. The new year is tragic, however, as Mr. Brosnan's wife mysteriously runs away with another man. Even worse, child protective services take Brosnan's children away and place them in Catholic-run orphanages. According to the Irish "Children's Act", parents who split up for reasons other than death have no right to raise their children. Authorities also take note of Brosnan's unemployment and excessive drinking. The situation seems hopeless, however...The point-of-view switches strangely to one of the children taken from their father, angelic scene-stealer Sophie Vavasseur (as Evelyn). The title role-player, she is irresistibly heart-tugging. However...Based on a true story, some of this well-produced drama has some difficulties, however. With his perfectly shaved (all around his neck) hairstyle and looks, it's hard to believe Brosnan as a scruffy Irish drunkard; he is charming. Brosnan is noticed by bartender Julianna Margulies (as Bernadette Beattie), who acts appropriately. She leads him to defense lawyer Aidan Quinn (as Nicholas "Nick" Barron), brotherly assistant Stephen Rea (as Michael Beattie) and alcoholic consultant Alan Bates (as Thomas "Tom" Connolly); they are an appropriately mannered "dream team" of lawyers; all act their parts.***** Evelyn (9/9/02) Bruce Beresford ~ Pierce Brosnan, Aidan Quinn, Sophie Vavasseur, Alan Bates

I recognised the title because of the leading James Bond 007 actor starring, but that's about all I knew, I was going to give it a chance, from director Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy, Double Jeopardy). Based on the true story, Desmond Doyle (Pierce Brosnan) is devastated when his wife Charlotte (Mairead Devlin) abandons him and his children, nine year old daughter Evelyn (Sophie Vavasseur) and her two brothers Maurice (Hugh McDonagh) and Dermot (Niall Beagan), on Boxing Day. Soon after the authorities take away the children because Desmond is unemployed and there is no mother in the house to care for them, he tries to go against the Catholic Church and the Irish courts. He wants them back as they have been placed in Church-run orphanages, but it is hard to get money, and he has unreliable people saying they can help, even a sympathetic judge says the financial situation can turn around, but doesn't. Desmond is trying to get help in the courts from friends such as American lawyer Nick Barron (Aidan Quinn), barmaid Bernadette Beattie (Ghost Ship's Julianna Margulies), her solicitor brother Michael Beattie (The Crying Game's Stephen Rea), and old mentor Tom Connolly (Alan Bates). While they are trying everything they can to show that the children being with their father is right, Evelyn and her brothers are suffering abuse living inside the orphanages. Desmond suffers the death of his father Henry (Father Ted's Frank Kelly, ironically the housekeeper in his show was Mrs. Doyle) and continuing lack of money, but he finds a way and the case becomes a big talking point in Ireland, and in the end, after ups and downs to the conclusion, he does win Evelyn and his sons back. Also starring John Lynch as Senior Counsel Mr. Wolfe, Karen Ardiff as Sister Felicity, Andrea Irvine as Sister Brigid and Marian Quinn as Sister Theresa. Brosnan gives a nice pleasant performance, being Irish in real life helps as well, and the supporting cast members, many also Irish, do well as well, the story is poignant but predictable, and the courtroom drama parts could have been a little better, but overall, it's not a bad real life social drama. Worth watching!

I watch far too many movies not to have viewed this one with a certainty as to where the story was going and exactly what emotional response it would try to generate in me. They show far too many made-for-TV movies that fit this description, year after year, and if these generate a little bit of emotion when the big finish arrives, you actually feel ashamed that you were a sucker for such cheap manipulation; however, Bruce Beresford's "Evelyn" somehow rises above all of this. I suppose it helps that Pierce Brosnan manages to set aside the slick, stylish persona that he has embodied in countless previous roles, to instead personify a simple working guy with a drinking problem and an all-consuming love for his three kids. Some critics have questioned the wisdom of casting him in this, but the very fact that he is surprising you with a characterization that is not expected of him, and doing such a heartfelt job of it contributes to the fascination of the unfolding drama. All of the supporting players are very effective in the piece, particularly the remarkable little girl who plays the title role, and Alan Bates who, in one of his last appearances, has a quirky, playful approach to his role that is great fun indeed. One is decidedly sad to know this guy is not around to give us more of this sort of artistry. Then there is the big finish, the climactic courtroom scene. see this gentle little film for yourself and see if you can resist being deeply touched by it. This jaded veteran of way too many viewing experiences was incredibly moved. This one is a joy!

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"!