A Rumor of Angels

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.

This looks like a made-for-TV movie, but Vanessa Redgrave and Trevor Morgan lift it at least a notch higher than that.

She is still gorgeous, yet her face has a leathery quality appropriate for her character. She is a magnificent presence on screen, and it was great watching her with Trevor, who must have had to really stretch to match her formidable skills. He does a great job, and I had no difficulty accepting his character on the same level as hers.

Yes, it is a "heart-warming" story, but it addresses death with honesty and some real-world strategies for getting past the grief of losing a loved one. It also has some fantasy strategies, but those don't get in the way of the real ones.

I loved the use of Mozart's music, particularly the "Ave Verum Corpus" choral piece.

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

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

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.