Hailed as one of the brightest talents to have emerged on the UK food scene in the past ... more
few years Angela Hartnett has been described by Gordon Ramsay as 'the new Elizabeth David'. As one of the few female British chefs to hold a Michelin star her inn...
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Advantages: Funny in bits, detailed Disadvantages: Can leave you feeling a bit upset
I first watched Angela's Ashes a few months back in History. I fell in love with it straight away, and is now one of my favourite films. But, why...?
*****
Angela's Ashes is based on the book written by Frank McCourt, made in 1999. It is the story of McCourt's life as a child, followed right through until his early adult life. The director, Alan Parker, helps us connect with the characters and sets across a very clear yet important message.
In the 1930s, when he was just a small boy, McCourt and his family (mum, dad and two brothers) were forced to move back to Ireland. Here his mum gave birth to another little girl, who soon sadly died a little while after because of the terrible living conditions.
Life was in no way easy in Ireland. This was the time when many illnesses were going around, such as cholera and typhoid. Sadly, the Mc ...
Advantages: Very readable, heartwarming, amusing, a page-turner, not at all self-pitying Disadvantages: None
greatly in the book is that despite living in desperate conditions and despite Frank's father being a bit of a waster, there is a massive pot of warm-hearted love in the family. Frank's father may spend all his wages in the pub and come home drunk regaling and singing songs of Irish freedom fighters, and Angela (Frank's mother) may smoke away money that could have been spent on food for the children that was better for them than bread & dripping, but there nonetheless seems to be a true warmth of spirit shining from Frank's parents and a genuine love for their children, despite their sometimes irresponsible ways.
Frank's family were stricken with poverty and tragedy - they had to cope with the death of some of their children, lack of money, appalling living conditions, and much more. Angela had to cope with the indignities of asking ...
Advantages: You may Laugh Disadvantages: You may Cry
Angelas Ashes was a film I heard a lot about but have never got around to actually watching, when I managed to pick it up on special offer (5 DVDs for £20) I was really looking forward to watching it ? I was not disappointed. The film is based on a biography written by Frank McCourt (which he won the Pulitzer prize for!), the film was directed by Alan Parker and released in 1999.
The story opens in Brooklyn in 1935, where a daughter is born to Malachy and Angela MCourt who already have four boys. When the baby dies at two days old, the family are obviously devastated and return to Limerick in Ireland in the midst of the depression. The McCourt?s are not well received back in Ireland by Angela?s Catholic relatives ? since her husband is a Protestant who can?t hold down a job and would rather put beer in his belly than food on the table ...
