A Rumor of Angels

Before I saw this movie the first time, I looked for reviews and the only ones I found were not great. But as usual I don't pay heed to critics. I watch it and use my own judgment. I was so glad I watched this one. It has become one of my favorites and it will become one of yours, too, I'm sure. If you have ever lost someone in your life this is a must see. I'm not very religious and have become less since the death of a loved one. But it would be wonderful to believe that there are angels and that when it's my turn that I will eventually see my aunt, who was my best friend, again. This movie is entirely rewarding, genuinely uplifting, and in plain terms made me feel a lot less depressed. Vanessa Redgrave has never been one of my favorites, I remember her from the sixties and she just ticked me off. But her acting in this is a real treat, she looks fantastic for her age, and I would kill for her hair. We could all use a Maddie Bennett in our lives. I actually own two of these, so if one gets damaged I have one to fall back on. So buy or rent this movie if you haven't seen it. Better yet buy it - you're gonna want to watch it more than once!

This is one I will buy for our library, it is so touching and involves all your emotions. Redgrave is spectacular and so are the other major characters. You will never look at a lighthouse in the same way again.

A Rumor of Angels was screened on October 12, 2000 at the Mill Valley Film Festival. The film primarily explores the touching relationship between an older (but young at heart) woman and an adolescent boy who is conflicted by the loss of his mother. The setting in Nova Scotia is beautifully filmed and each character seemed essential to the plot. I laughed out loud more than once while later, it was impossible to hold back tears.

A boy, James (Trevor Morgan) lost his mother in a car crash, which he witnessed, two years ago. His father, Nathan (Ray Liotta), has a new wife, Mary (Catherine McCormack), and is usually away on business. Nathan never talked to James about the tragedy so James has not yet finished grieving; he resents Mary and will not accept her as a mother. Maddy Bennett (Vanessa Redgrave) is an older but still vivacious neighbour who lost her son in the war. She befriends James and helps him through the trauma.

Redgrave's acting is superb and the message of the story is beautiful but the script and direction are very emotionally manipulative, sinking into maudlin melodrama too often. Those who just want a good story and can focus on the message and Redgrave's performance will love this film; others may be put off by the excessive sentimentality.

It is rare that I can recall every detail of a movie after seeing it. This one was that rare exception. Vanessa Redgrave's fantastic performance, the beautiful story, and gorgeous music made this movie one that is unforgettable. The movie had every element of the human experience incorporated into it yet was never overly sentimental, slow moving,or not totally believable. I had lost my only son within the last few years and can honestly say that I was very comforted by the message this film carried. This is one movie that I will buy,look at many times and share it with my friends and family.