Falling Angels (2003)
Closed CaptioningScott Smith
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Plot Summary
The wickedly funny story of three sisters' coming of age in a wildly dysfunctional family, set against the backdrop of the 60's, free love, the Cold War, LSD and the dawn of feminism. Affectionately dubbed "Little Women on acid", this is a story about the destructive effects of secrecy and the bonds of duty between parents and their children. Festivals Played: Toronto Film Festival - September 2003, Thessaloniki International Film Festival - November 2003, Karlovy Vary Film Festival - July 2004.
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Rotten Tomatoes Movie Reviews
TOMATOMETER
63%- Reviews Counted: 8
- Fresh: 5
- Rotten: 3
- Average Rating: 5.4/10
Top Critics' Reviews
Fresh: Deftly balances elements of pathos, humor and the grotesque while maintaining a low-key tenor.
Fresh: So many reasons to see the darkly hopeful Canadian film Falling Angels -- a terrific unknown cast showcased in subtle close-ups, and a quirky literary script largely free of cliche.
Fresh: It's the attention to small details that makes the characters so believable, especially in the way Smith delivers their sentiments: in quiet, personal moments.
Customer Reviews
A not so easily defined modern classic
While completely capturing the general tone and overall story of the Barbara Gowdy novel, Scott Smith's "Falling Angels" goes for a more pleasant ending (there is no embracing of the family structure as a point of hope for the sisters in the book) and eschews showcasing much of the unpleasant back story of the children (focusing on the Disneyland segment -- the short story from which the novel grew -- as the quintessential example of an overbearing, abusive father and an alcoholic, emotionally absent mother).
Callum Keith Rennie (perhaps best known for minor roles in "Blade" and "X-Files: I Want to Believe") is a revelation as Jim Field, the ex-soldier who tries to impose military-style regimentation on his family in the wake of a tragedy that has severely damaged Mary (played by Miranda Richardson). He does not portray Jim as a one-dimensional character, but rather as a slightly dim-witted and needy man that cannot come to terms with how his behavior is destroying his family.
Katharine Isabelle gives what may be her best performance to date (if "Turning Paige" is ever released, I will be able to judge the buzz on her work there) as Lou Field, the angry, militant, contrarian daughter that is still deeply stuck in the dysfunction of her family. Where Lou is more of a victim of circumstance in the novel, Isabelle portrays her as the only voice of objection to what Jim has wrought. Even the more comic moments, be they her 'seduction' of an American classmate (Kett Turton), running away to the backyard bomb shelter, or meekly confronting Jim (early in the film) have such depth of character and emotional resonance that make one wonder how Isabelle's career has become a succession of supporting roles in questionable films ("Another Cinderella Story") and television shows ("Sanctuary").
Kristin Adams and Monté Gangé give solid performances as Sandy and Norma, the other Field sisters. Mark McKinney (best known from "The Kids in the Hall") gives an oddly off-pace performance, noticeably nuanced and lacking in subtlety, and is the most noticeable weak link in this otherwise fine film.
Now, this movie does have some humor, most of it coming from some dark places. It is not a comedy, but it is not a melodrama. It is not dissimilar to O'Neill's "Long Day's Journey Into Night" in how it deals with long suppressed family issues, but the film at least has a more positive outlook.
Alright
I didn't really find this movie to be a comedy but there are some funny parts. It's more of a serious film which may take some getting into at first. I thought it was a pretty good film that doesn't really get you emotionally attached to the characters but gives you a good story in the end.
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