SYNOPSICS
Red Roses and Petrol (2003) is a English movie. Tamar Simon Hoffs has directed this movie. Malcolm McDowell,Olivia Tracey,Heather Juergensen,Max Beesley are the starring of this movie. It was released in 2003. Red Roses and Petrol (2003) is considered one of the best Drama movie in India and around the world.
Amidst a haze of cigarette smoke and uneaten food, the family of Enda Doyle gathers in Dublin for his wake. A university librarian, poet and rascal, he has left behind a trail of unresolved issues, a dysfunctional family, and a disturbing mystery. Enda's dazed widow, Moya, anxiously prepares for the next day's funeral with her still stuck-at-home, twenty-something daughter Medbh lending a loving hand. Moya's desperation to keep her family together and Medbh's sharp tongue provide the backdrop for the arrival of headstrong older sister Catherine from New York with her handsome but awkward boyfriend Tom in tow. They doubt that London-based Johnny, the angry black sheep brother of the family, will even appear at all. Sorting through boxes of Enda's books, the women discover a cache of self-recorded video diaries that might shed light on who Enda Doyle really was and some of the secrets that he was never able to share with them. At the funeral, the daughters see a distraught young woman ...
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Red Roses and Petrol (2003) Reviews
Thoroughly enjoyed the film
I recently saw this film at a special screening. I didn't know what to expect but was ultimately very happy that I attended the event. The story about a dysfunctional family rings true, as the relationship between siblings is portrayed in a very believable way. I really enjoyed the acting by the entire cast. I especially liked seeing Malcolm McDowell playing such a different type of character. It should also be noted that the soundtrack was very good, especially my introduction to "Flogging Molly" and it's always nice to hear new songs by Susanna Hoffs of "The Bangles". Even though the film had a few slow spots, overall, the film was very moving, yet not overly sentimental.
great film - strong job by Malcolm McDowell
I saw this film at the Westwood Film Festival in L.A. and I was blown away. Red Roses is the kind of film that *should* be getting made these days: strong characters, seamless writing, great performances. Malcolm McDowell plays an admired but flawed Irish patriarch, whose three children and loving wife (elegantly played by Olivia Tracy, who is gorgeous) reunite at his wake and come to terms with their not-always-rosy relationships to him and each other. We come to know McDowell's character Enda Doyle only through videotapes he has left, which doesn't diminish his screen presence one bit he is as riveting here as he was 35 years ago in A Clockwork Orange. As the alcohol flows, the family's dysfunction is gradually revealed until eventually we understand why none of Enda's university colleagues or local pub companions has chosen to join the family at his wake. The standout performance here is by Max Beesley as the prodigal son Johnny - with a presence reminiscent of a tougher Ewan MacGregor he could be MacDowell's real-life son. He nails the hard exterior formed by years of compensating for his father's tough love. Heather Juergensen (Kissing Jessica Stein) out-Irishes her real Irish counterparts (no distracting accents here), and Susan Lynch and Greg Ellis are both strong and convincing as the favorite first-born sister (though no angel, she) and her awkward boyfriend dancing as fast as he can to please everyone. A central story point is the role of a mysterious beautiful girl known to have kept company at the university with Doyle (Catherine Farrell yes, Colin's sister). Has the mother been unaware all these years of Enda's indiscretions, or has she chosen to live in denial just to survive? This subplot is expertly played out as the film unfolds. Red Roses and Petrol is an engaging, if sometimes gut-wrenching, portrayal of a real family coming to terms with real issues. Go see it if you can.
Enjoyed the film.
I enjoyed the film. The casting was perfect, I especially enjoyed the performances of Heather Juergensen and Max Beesley. I was entertained by the story and moved by the characters. The director did a fine job translating a story for the stage to the screen. If you belong to a family you'll relate to this film.
Great family drama
I like indie films. They are unique, have deep stories, interesting background and the themes are usually not common like big budget movies or it makes you think about something afterward. This is one of the film that makes you think about the theme afterward. I saw this film at a private screening little while ago. I heard that they are going to be opening in this June and I am excited about it. The film contains family tension, confronts problems and morals surrounding a father's death and aftermath. It also showed how death actually brought about the truth and reckoning/realization to the lives of the individual family members. It reminded me that my family is important to me. Also, Malcolm McDowell is a wonderful actor and has great impact and depth when he delivers his lines.
More than meets the eye
I recently viewed a screener of this title and was pleasantly surprised. I'd also seen Joseph O'Connor's stage version and thought it translated well to film, even if it was a bit dialogue heavy. Of note is that while the story is set in Ireland, the dysfunction displayed by the Doyle family seemed universal and the pain of losing a loved one all too real. The lighting seemed a bit dark, but Malcolm McDowell's grin brightened the screen. Stand-out performances by Max Beesley and Heather Juergenson and thumping music by Flogging Molly will make this indie worth a look.