A winner!!!

I adored the book from the first time I read it, but until now, couldn’t comment on the movie as I hadn’t been able to see it. But last night changed all that, and I watched the DVD, along with my ever supportive spouse, who knows just how much this story has meant to me since that fateful day in 2001 when I first heard of the book through a review in UK contesting club newsletter...

How wonderful it was to see all the Ryan’s spring to life on my TV screen. I felt I was up there with them, knowing the story as I do, and I relished every moment.

Julianne Moore was superb. She didn’t just act a part, she became the very essence of Evelyn Ryan, gently and wisely guiding her children; patiently including and coaxing the bitter and frustrated Kelly into their tight-knit circle - rather like you would an unhappy and lonely child. Woody Harrelson excelled himself as the alcoholic and angry man who couldn’t cope with his burden; relying grudgingly on his wife’s wins, to get by.

How different the family’s lot would have been had Evelyn struck out against her circumstances and left Kelly - which she would have been quite justified in doing. Evelyn wasn’t over-saintly or downtrodden (as a few critics have described her) but was someone who wisely knew there was little point trying to change things that couldn’t be changed, if she wanted to keep her family intact.

Especially poignant and moving, were the parts where Evelyn comforted Tuff, and explained why she put up with things as she did. And when little Dave solemnly tells his Mom the flowers he’d just gathered from their neighbour’s were beautiful and were obviously picked with his love for her... There was no angry outburst or remonstration from Evelyn; just a loving mother understanding of a little boy’s gift of love – a generous gesture, given the enormous pressures she was under.

Evelyn Ryan was all about commitment to see something through, whatever it took. She wasn’t a victim - she was a winner. As was this film. It’s no substitute for the book, as so much had to be missed out to allow the story to fit into its time slot. But it is a good film worthy of seeing, and beats many other movies of 2005 hands down!