Excellent performances all around, notably from Joe Breen, who plays young Frank McCourt, and Robert Carlyle as his father. My understanding is that in real life Joe Breen is the son of an Irish farmer. The role of Frank's grandmother is well-played, though the role of his aunt seems somewhat understated compared to the book.
Although the film is 145 minutes long, it is well-paced and does not really drag anywhere. The photography does a beautiful job of capturing the essence of poor and working-class Ireland in the '40s, with lots of rain and grayscale tones.
The film ends sooner than the book, but leaves ample room for a sequel ('Tis?). If you read the book and liked it, you will like the film. If you haven't read the book, you will like the film. It's refreshing to see a good, well-made film about people who don't live in L.A. or have a lot of money.
Although the film is 145 minutes long, it is well-paced and does not really drag anywhere. The photography does a beautiful job of capturing the essence of poor and working-class Ireland in the '40s, with lots of rain and grayscale tones.
The film ends sooner than the book, but leaves ample room for a sequel ('Tis?). If you read the book and liked it, you will like the film. If you haven't read the book, you will like the film. It's refreshing to see a good, well-made film about people who don't live in L.A. or have a lot of money.