Angela's Ashes
By Tom Cassidy,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Bleak Irish biopic has drinking, infant deaths, language.
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Angela's Ashes
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What's the Story?
ANGELA'S ASHES is the true story of author Frank McCourt's unhappy childhood. Growing up in Ireland during the 1930s, McCourt suffers loss and heartbreak on the road to finding his calling as an author.
Is It Any Good?
When a film opens with narration declaring "this is the story of my miserable Irish Catholic childhood" and within four minutes a baby has died, you know it's not likely to get its own Disney ride. The trudge of family tragedy in Angela's Ashes continues early on with a further two infant deaths. Thankfully director Alan Parker balances heartbreak with slight moments of light. Seeing the bleak, rainy, flooded slums of 1930s Ireland through the eyes of the young lead character, we're spared the total despair of his parent's grief and sometimes find fun in the dirtiest corners of the drab streets. When young Frank finds a love of reading when in hospital suffering from typhoid, there's the first ray of hope that things could change for him.
Three actors play Frank -- or Francis to give him his full name -- and the movie seamlessly flows through time as he grows up. Constant throughout is Frank's mother, Angela, played by Emily Watson. An actor who shines brightest when playing a character burying heartache, Watson is the human heart at the center of the family. The quiet desperation in the spirit of Frank's alcohol-dependent father, Malachy, is equally well played by Robert Carlyle. Rather than outright condemning Malachy, Angela's Ashes is refreshingly matter of fact, befitting a measured look back at a desperately difficult time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Angela's Ashes depicts drinking. Why does Malachy drink so much? What are the results of his drinking? What consequences does his drinking have on him and his family?
Discuss the portrayal of Frank's life in 1930s Ireland. Were you shocked at some of the hardships he and his family had to endure? Did the fact the movie was based on a true story make it more impactful? How did the movie compare to other films set in Ireland you might have seen?
Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How was sex portrayed in the movie? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Frank finds relief in his love of reading and in real life grew up to be an author. What is your favorite thing to do? Is there a career in which you can use those skills?
Movie Details
- In theaters: January 14, 2000
- On DVD or streaming: July 18, 2000
- Cast: Emily Watson , Robert Carlyle , Joe Breen
- Director: Alan Parker
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Paramount Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters
- Character Strengths: Perseverance
- Run time: 145 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: sexual content and some language
- Last updated: September 19, 2023
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