"Griffiths proves she's that rare luminary who continually raises the standard of her profession."
Gregory Weinkauf NEW TIMES
"Impossible as it may sound, this film's heart is even more embracing than Monty, if only because it accepts nasty behavior and severe flaws as part of the human condition."
Bob Strauss LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS
"Very Annie-Mary is familiar but winningly funny and good-hearted."
Kevin Thomas LOS ANGELES TIMES
"Worth catching for Griffiths' warm and winning central performance."
Neil Smith BBCI FILMS
"[Griffith] adds another intriguing character to her formidable body of work."
Ed Kelleher FILM JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
"Somehow Ms Griffiths and Mr Pryce bring off this wild Welsh whimsy."
Andrew Sarris NEW YORK OBSERVER
"A quirky dramedy that should entertain anyone who enjoyed Little Voice."
Jon Popick PLANET SICK-BOY
At A Glance
"The quirky drama touches the heart and the funnybone thanks to the energetic and always surprising performance by Rachel Griffiths." Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat SPIRITUALITY AND HEALTH
There are 'small' film and then there are 'big' small films. That's the catagory "Very Annie Mary" falls into. But how small is small? How big is big? In the case of "Very Annie Mary" small means a limited release around the country. It also means you won't see much publicity promoting "Very Annie Mary" unless you happen to be a regular at those cinemas lucky enough to be screening "Very Annie Mary". But don't worry because those who see "Very Annie Mary" soon discover this is a very big film driven by a big heart. Imagine if you can, a little Mini Minor. Small, cute and very appealing. Then you lift the bonnet and wow, its been fitted with a V8 engine. Get the drift? Two thoughts run through your mind. How can they fit something so big into something so small? How did they do it? Can I handle the power? But you know what, you're starting to feel an uneasy wave of excitement come over you. Your apprehensive but you really do want to get in the driving seat and have a go. You open the door and slide into the drivers seat. You touch the steering wheel and your toes tap the clutch, brake and accelerator. You turn the key. The engine starts and you can feel its throb. It's a beast just waiting to break loose. Now your excited, very excited. You slip it into first gear and move out into the traffic. Hey, this is starting to feel good. You zip through the gears and revel in the fact that even though your about the size of a fly on a horses backside you can match it with the big boys any time. You laugh out loud because for once you realize size doesn't matter. You turn on the cars radio, crank up the volume, turn off onto the local freeway and give the carbies a throatful of super. Now your free, cruisin without a care in the world. That readers is how you should view "Very Annie Mary". A small film with a powerful engine named Rachel. A film filled with joy, song, heartache and triumph. A film you should not miss.
"Very Annie Mary is Directed by Sara Sugarman ["Mad Cows" 1999 & Anthrakitis 1998 ] and stars Rachel Griffiths ["The Rookie" 2002, "Blow" 2001, "Jude" 1996 & "Muriel's Wedding" 1994 ] and Jonathan Pryce ["What A Girl Wants" 2003, "Stigmata" 1999, "Jumpin' Jack Flash" 1986 & "Voyage of the Damned" 1976].
The Story
"Very Annie Mary" is the delightful tale of a 33 year old Welsh lass named Annie Mary who longs for freedom. Dominated by her father, who never has a good word for her, Annie Marys life is made even more miserable because her friend Bethan Bevan is dying of leukemia. While the town prepares for the annual Mayors Charity Day, which hopes to raise a thousand pounds and send young Bethan to Disneyland, Annie Mary discovers a house for sale. It fuels her dreams of finally being independent from her mean spirited father. But Annie Mary has a few bridges to cross. The most important one, making Bethan Bevan happy, will sorely test Annie Mary and the townsfolk of OGW.
The Verdict
"Simply put ... its a delight. Rachel Griffiths is indeed Very Annie Mary and what a superb performance it is. Cheeky, charming, silly, sad, triumphant. You'll want to laugh, sing, shriek, clap and then cry your eyes out. "
The Cast & Crew
Rachel Griffiths
Jonathan Pryce
Ioan Gruffudd
Matthew Rhys
Kenneth Griffith
Ruth Madoc
Radcliffe Grafton
Josh Richards
Joanna Page
Rhys Miles Thomas
Rhodri Hugh
Llyr Evans
Rachel Isaac
Ray Gravell
Melissa Vincent
Lynn Hunter
Donna Edwards
Michele McTernan
Jennifer Pascoe
Rhian Grundy
Wendy Phillips
Anna Mountford
Gwenllian Davies
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Annie Mary Pugh
Jack Pugh
Hob
Nob
Minister
Mrs Ifans
The Mayor
Mr Bevan
Bethan Bevan
Colin Thomas
Mervin
Ginger gravedigger
Estate agent
Frank the bookie
Betting shop assistant
Mrs Thomas
Mrs Bevan
Mother
Young Annie-Mary
Kelly [Bracket]
Megan [Hinge]
Blodwyn [Minge]
Gwenllian [Twinge]
Directed & Written by Sara Sugarman
Produced by Graham Broadbent/Damian Jones/Lesley Stewart
Original Music by Stephen Warbeck
Cinematography by Barry Ackroyd
Film Editing by Robin Sales
Casting by Joyce Gallie & Sally Osoba
Production Design by Alice Normington
Art Direction by Tim Ellis
Set Decoration by Rebecca Gilles
Costume Design by Caroline Harris
Rated M15+ [AUST]
Run Time 104 minutes
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