A Rumor of Angels

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.

A Rumor of Angels is a very well made movie! The story is unique, in that a young boy and older woman form a relationship and become best friends which is something you dont see in Hollywood very often! The acting is perfect, I could not find fault in anything the actors did, Trevor Morgan as James turns in the best performance of his career and leaves me in tears on more than one occaision. Vanessa Redgrave as usual is phenomenal, she pulls you deep into a character who on the outside seems hard and bitter but is really full of life and love. Ray Liotta, Catherine McCormack and Ron Livingston put in strong performances as a father still caught uo in his own grief, a stepmom trying to connect with James and an uncle who offers comical relief while still giving good advice. The setting is gorgeous, the direction is perfect. I like this independant movie because unlike all the big huge Hollywood blockbuster it has heart and soul and you can really see that.

10/10

I give 'A Rumour of Angels' a 9 out of 10. Redgrave was wonderful in this role. I have recently lost my mother and found this movie to be heart warming and comforting. I work in the spiritual field as well and it is quite informative and true to life. It really does make you remember the little things that elusive 'I love you' is far more important than most people realize.... It also reminds us of an age old fact of life you cannot judge a book by it's cover. James family wanted to dislike Redgrave's character simply because they didn't understand what she was teaching James. I would recommend this movie to anyone believing in angels and afterlife and as comfort to those who are grieving. Thumbs up from ME!! lisaanddave

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.