Woe is me. Misery upon misery. This harsh drama is based on the much acclaimed autobiography of Frank McCourt. A penniless and hard drinking man (Robert Carlyle)and his wife (Emily Watson)try to raise a family in Depression-ridden 1930's Ireland. Young Frank(Joe Breen)endures the deaths of siblings; the lack of compassion from his drunken irresponsible father; the sadness and desperation of his overwrought mother; his imposed parental role in raising his younger brothers; and the hopes and dreams of leaving a world of starvation and little opportunity. This movie really tugs at the heart strings. Somehow there are flashes of humor and optimism during the two and a half hours of despair.