Agnes Browne MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +1 1/2 Content: -3

In her second film as director, Anjelica Huston also stars in the story of Agnes Browne, a single mother with six children in present-day Ireland. With her husbands recent death, Agnes is left to fend for herself and her young family. The death has left the Brownes in financial turmoil, and Agnes is forced to borrow money from Mr. Billy (Ray Winstone), a tough loan shark. Trying to repay the loan, Agnes spends most of her days selling fruit with her best friend, Marion (Marion ODwyer). And if the financial strain isnt enough, Agnes catches the interest of a new man in town, Pierre (Arno Chevrier). She also faces the growing stresses involving her children as she begins to lose her grip on her family. One of the boys gets into his own trouble with Mr. Billy, which increases the financial troubles even more. These factors put a great deal of pressure on Agnes as she struggles to keep her life in balance. A sometimes funny, sometimes touching film, AGNES BROWNE is sure to appeal to female audiences. However, as an average story with average characters, it will probably attract less than average interest.

Most of the characters are presented as Catholic and often seen in church or engaging in common Catholic practices, such as confession. Since the characters are also Irish, they are shown spending the evening drinking at the local pub with friends. The main characters smoke almost constantly. The story focuses mainly on Agnes and Marion, who often hold conversations about very personal topics, such as sex and men. On a couple of occasions, they discuss female stimulation and, over a drink in the pub, also have a frank discussion about female breasts. Without a husband, Agnes talks to one of her boys about puberty in, what proves to be, an uncomfortable scene for both. There is some mild pushing and shoving, however, the worst offense is foul language which fills the dialogue with 25 f-words and 30 regular profanities. Although the Catholic Church is presented as a central part of society, gutter language coupled with the frank sexual discussions darken our view of AGNES BROWNE.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor: USA/October Films, 65 Bleeker St., NY, NY 10112