MovieChat Forums > Angela's Ashes (2000) Discussion > For People Who've Read The Book

For People Who've Read The Book

posted 18 years ago by benighted2005
6 replies | jump to latest

Jeez. I just finished watching this film. Halfway during it, I was hoping they didn't make it. But the latter half of the film was surprisingly better. It's impossible to do a movie as good as the book. I realised that if I hadn't read the book and seen the movie first, I would have loved the movie. I'd still give a 7/10 though. The difference between the book and movie can be given in one example. That poem that Angela always recited (something like "For you'll miss your mothers love when she's buried below the clay") didnt have quarter of an effect that it had when it was in the book. As in, the film didn't really capture that essence and I realised it's almost impossible to.

Personally, and because I know noone would agree, I thought "TIS" was an even greater book. Tis was the WAR AND PEACE of McCourt's life. I love both with all my heart, though. Teacher Man will be read soon.

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] benighted2005 18 years ago

When I read Catcher in the Rye some 2months back, I realised where he got fraction of his style from(considering he also distributed/sold the books to his students to get money for food). Dan, Angela's Ashes was the first time I saw a movie after reading the book. I'm not much of a book reader so I had to talk about it. You had the previlige of meeting FM, that is enviable. I think he is harder on his mother in TIS than Angela's Ashes.

There is an instance in the book when Angela looks into burning ashes and that bit was something I waited for during the entire length of the film and couldn't find it. Maybe they edited it. The title of the movie should have been explained. I mean, where are the Ashes? Angela's character didn't manage to induce any pity. I'm not saying that should have been the sole intent but this is where the director did his own take on the book. I also dont think they did justice to the Senior Malachy McCourt. I mean his awkward style required a little bit of *lack of alertness* and aloofness but that was lacking but then again, they only had a little time to build up on the story.

I can't help but complain. This should have been a GREAT film. Don't you agree?

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] popcornlove 18 years ago

'Tis is a great book. I think all three of them are excellent though.

[–] benighted2005 18 years ago

I think I'll get the Teacher Many by March

"Sorry Sir, Stags aren't allowed "

[–] wolfspirit-5 18 years ago

I loved this book. I think the movie was faithful enough. But obviously no movie is as good as the book based upon. Part of the charm of the book is the narration and we didn't see it as great in the movie.
I still adore both the book and the movie. Not being from Ireland and coming from very different culture and background this movie illustrated to me what Limerick was like.

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