Movie Profile: ANGELA’S ASHES
| Attribute | Details |
| Title | Angela’s Ashes |
| Release Date | December 25, 1999 (Limited) • January 28, 2000 (Wide) |
| Director | Alan Parker (Midnight Express, Mississippi Burning) |
| Writers | Laura Jones, Alan Parker (Based on the memoir by Frank McCourt) |
| Producers | David Brown, Alan Parker, Scott Rudin |
| Genre | Drama, History |
| Runtime | 145 minutes |
| Distributor | Paramount Pictures (North America) / Universal Pictures (International) |
| Lead Cast |
• Emily Watson (Angela McCourt) • Robert Carlyle (Malachy McCourt) • Joe Breen (Young Frank McCourt) • Ciaran Owens (Middle Frank McCourt) • Michael Legge (Older Frank McCourt) • Ronnie Masterson (Grandmother Sheehan) • Kerry Condon (Theresa Carmody) |
| Accolades & Honors |
• Academy Awards (2000): Nominated for Best Original Score (John Williams) • BAFTA Awards (2000): 3 Nominations including Best Actress (Emily Watson) and Best Cinematography |
Plot Overview
During the Great Depression, Frank McCourt and his impoverished family struggle to survive in Brooklyn, New York. Following the tragic death of his infant sister, Frank’s mother, Angela (Emily Watson), and alcoholism-stricken father, Malachy (Robert Carlyle), decide to relocate the family back to their homeland in Limerick, Ireland, hoping for a better life.
However, 1930s and 1940s Limerick presents even harsher living conditions. The family resides in a damp, flea-infested slum house that floods every winter. Malachy’s severe alcoholism prevents him from maintaining employment; whenever he manages to collect welfare or wages, he squanders the money at local pubs, leaving Angela desperate to feed her surviving children.
As Frank grows from childhood into adolescence (portrayed chronologically by Joe Breen, Ciaran Owens, and Michael Legge), he endures severe illness, social prejudice, and intense poverty. Through sheer determination, resourcefulness, and taking on various odd jobs—such as delivering telegrams—Frank works toward his ultimate dream: saving enough money to escape back to America for a fresh start.
