There is a lovely backstory to Angela's Christmas. This 30 minute animated short was created in Limerick, Ireland. The story was written by Frank McCourt, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Angela's Ashes. Angela was his mother and this beautiful short story is about a specific event in her childhood.
What makes this adorable film so wonderful is the beautiful message it delivers. In a world packed with highly commercialised seasonal movies, Angela's Christmas embodies the innocent desire of a child to ensure everyone is safe, warm and loved at Christmas time. The story is simple.
It is 1914, and Angela is one of four children who, on Christmas Eve, head to church with their Mother. Seeing the little Baby Jesus in the crib she decides that he must be really cold and needs to be warmed up. In her wisdom, Angela runs back and takes the baby. Of course this causes quite a stir when the local priest discovers the infant statue missing from the church. Realising she can't keep the doll, Angela and her family must return it and face the consequences of her actions.
There is so much to love about this powerful tale. It was narrated by Malachy McCourt, brother to the late Frank McCourt. It also features the stunning vocals of the late Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries. This was her last official recording before her tragic passing. Created by Brown Bag Films, it is based on the only children's book McCourt ever wrote. That book was based on a story his mother told him about her own childhood.
The animation is impeccable as is the story, the script and the voice overs from Oscar nominee Ruth Negga and Lucy O'Connell. So if you're looking for pure warmth and a Christmas movie that will wrap it's arms around you and give you a great big hug, Angela's Christmas is it.
