An Angel for May (2002 TV Movie) User Reviews

Return to the past

[jotix100 · 8/10 · 10 October 2005]

"An Angel for May" came unexpectedly the other day on cable. We hadn't heard about this film, at all, as we don't remember it having played locally. This English film, directed with style by Harley Cokeliss, proved to be a surprise and we recommend it for young audiences and their parents as it will provide quality entertainment with a good story to boot!

The film opens in England after an air raid during WWII, in which a young girl is calling for help, although we don't see her. Right after that, we are in the present time following Tom, a young boy who lives with his mother in a rural community after the parents separated. Tom is a boy in turmoil by what's going on. As a result, Tom goes on his bicycle all to the nearby countryside where he had spotted a dog that seems to be lost.

His search brings him to an old ruined structure where he finds the dog. Little does he know that he is going to embark in an adventure he didn't bargain for. In fact, this ruined placed used to be a farm that holds a mystery and involves Tom and a childhood friend. Not wanting to give out anything else, let's say that Tom is completely surprised by what he discovers among the ruins.

The closing sequence of the film was handled with great care by Mr. Cokeliss, as it involves Tom going to the old church trying to find out about the whereabout of someone dear to him. Tom's mind is put at ease when the kind Rosie comes to him as he is contemplating the names in a tomb in the church's cemetery. The scene is lovely and it finally puts Tom's mind at ease because he has deciphered the mystery of what he experienced.

The two young actors, Matthew Beard and Charlotte Wakefield are wonderful in their roles. They are intelligent children and a delight to see. Any film that has Tom Wilkinson and Anna Massey in it can't be bad. Mr. Wilkinson does a great job in his short appearance. Anna Massey is lovely in that tender scene at the end of the film. Geraldine James, Julie Cox and Angeline Ball are seen in supporting roles.

Congratulations to Harley Cokeliss for bringing this beautiful tale to the screen and we recommend it to anyone who is young at heart.

Good movie for young and old

[hostyman · 7/10 · 16 September 2005]

I usually am not a fan of what I would consider a "vanilla" movie, but I was taken with this one. Actually, I got it for the wife to watch. After 5 minutes I was caught up in the plot and had no problem watching it to the end. Which I may add, the ending was a surprise for me. I would call it a fantasy film and highly entertaining. I thought the young lady that played the role of May was outstanding. Her portrayal of a somewhat unclean and uneducated young girl only enhances the ending.The photography was pleasing and does not overwhelm. All characters in the movie are well suited for their role and do not have a tendency to overact as many do in "vanilla" movies. Watch this one for a change of pace.

We need more of this on TV

[thinkinfairytales · 8/10 · 25 December 2002]

I happened to switch the TV on just as this film was starting and I was immediately intrigued: there are virtually no children's adventure/mystery series on television any more: When I was a kid (I'm 23) we had gems such as 'Press Gang', 'Moondial', 'The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe' and 'Dungeons and Dragons'. Now all we get is ugly, badly-drawn cartoons and terrible US and Japanese imports.

Like the recent UK family drama 'Bootleg', 'An Angel for May' was a breath of fresh air to the television schedules, an original, refreshing, beautifully filmed piece of drama. It captured a kind of wistful innocence so lacking from TV these days. Here's hoping it comes on VHS/DVD very soon.

A film to remember...

[cessounette · 10/10 · 17 September 2005]

I saw this film in a movie festival in Brittany, France. Somebody here said it was for children, but I'm 27, I saw it with my mother and my boyfriend when it came out, and the three of us just loved it. The story of a young boy accidentally traveling into the past, and then going back there on purpose and saving a little girl's life is absolutely brilliant, and the actors are all perfect : Charlotte Wakefield and Matthew Beard show an outstanding maturity, and Tom Wilkinson, Julie Cox and Anna Massey are also incredibly moving. After seeing this film we were all in tears, and I was thrilled tonight when it got on TV at long last... I just found out it had come out on DVD in America, so I will be able to get it and recommend it to everyone I know.

Moving

[shiralee-phillips · 10 May 2003]

This film was the best thing on Uk television all over Christmas.I have since watched it three times and it hasn't lost its appeal at all.I think it is such a unique story.The acting is of a really high standard from actors so young. I also like the way it shows how the young and old can feel for each other without writing each other off because of the generation gap.A truly moving and pure tale!

A must see for everyone

[JornB · 10/10 · 31 August 2005]

A young boy travels back in time to WWII and meets a young girl with some serious problems.

Show on Swedish television as a child TV-series.

I actually love this movie, it got all ingredients needed. An excellent cast, with lovely performances from Charlotte Wakefield as May and Matthew Beard as Tom. A great story that sweeps you off your feet (I have a soft spot for "but-what-happens-in-the-future-if-he-does-that-now" movies).

It's the small things, the details that make this movie awesome. And even though I've seen it three times now, I still get teary eyes and all warm and cuddly inside seeing it.

Excellent family fare

[mwj0646 · 10/10 · 3 October 2005]

I have just seen this movie with my grandson and it was quite enjoyable for both of us. The plot was interesting enough to hold the attention of us both and yet he was able to understand it completely. The young star Matthew Beard is a wonderful and talented actor whose innocence transcended onto the screen with ease. I look forward to seeing him in future endeavors. This movie also reminds many of the horrors and consequences of war without the unnecessary blood and gore that is prevalent in so many of today's movies. It proves that you can get your point across without any foul language or special effects that many directors have fallen in love with today. My only question is that on cable TV where I saw this film it warns of strong sexual content and tat is was not apparent anywhere. I highly recommend this to anyone that wants to sit back and enjoy a good old fashioned movie by a rising star.

Intriguing, Inspiring and Inviting

[merry-stanford · 8/10 · 20 January 2006]

"An Angel for May" is the kind of film that I'll want to see again and again. One could call it a British "It's a Wonderful Life." The film is intriguing, inspiring, and inviting, a study in contrast and coming of age. It shows a wonderful juxtaposition of the 21st century and the WWII era. The Yorkshire countryside, as portrayed in the film, is lovely, a stark contrast with the effects of the war on England. There are also the contrasts of old vs. young and tough vs. gentle. The acting is quite good: the children playing the lead roles are fabulous, and I'm always a fan of Tom Wilkinson. Some of the special effects are naive -- the WWII planes in flight are not very authentic-looking, for example; and what bombardier in his right mind would bomb an empty moor? But all in all, this is a great "feel good" film, a story that can make you think about the purpose of your life in its time and place.

A Real Gem for Everyone

[aimless-46 · 9/10 · 21 February 2006]

Feature films are for children, or at least for the child in each viewer, so it always refreshing to stumble across films like "An Angel for May" and "Restless Spirits". Contrary to popular belief, films do not have to be dumbed down for children. Much of the pleasure they get comes from puzzling out complex plot developments and recognizing subtle details. Both these films have a hidden depth to their story and storytelling technique that will interest even the most sophisticated viewer-provided that they retain at least some of their childhood capacity for wonder.

"An Angel for May" is a nice adaptation of Melvin Burgess' critically acclaimed novel of the same title. The themes are the need to find a purpose or direction outside yourself and the recognition of inter-generational ties that exist because we all share the experience of having once been young. The intriguing title is actually a reference to the almost heaven- sent appearance of a 12-year old boy in the midst of WWII Yorkshire, England.

But things are a bit more complicated because 12- year old Tom (Matthew Beard) is from "present day" Yorkshire. Things are not going so great for him there. He is the self-absorbed only child of separated parents, seemingly with no friends, asthmatic, and upset that his mother plans to remarry. One day he follows a stray dog to an abandoned farm in the hills outside town and suddenly finds himself transported to that same spot in 1941.

It was a working farm back then, run by Sam Wheeler (Tom Wilkinson). Sam and his daughter Alison are taking care of 10- year old May (Charlotte Wakefield), an orphan since her whole block (terrace) was destroyed in a German bombing raid. The story is told from the point of view of the totally disoriented Tom who runs into town after his arrival and manages to get himself into a lot of trouble. The seemingly confident and resourceful May comes to his rescue.

May has picked up on Tom's dislocation and distress, sensing in him a kindred spirit who needs her help coping with the horrors of wartime Britain. This is where POV in the film becomes important. May is a huge dichotomy, once a spunky and charming girl, her wartime experiences have turned her into a traumatized victim. POV means that viewers must learn about her at the same slow pace it is revealed to Tom. The first revelation occurs as the two make their way back to the farm. When German planes jettison bombs (from an aborted raid on Sheffield) in the fields, May freezes in an exposed position until Tom pulls her to the ground. Later we learn that she has a phobia about being indoors, the result of being trapped for days in the rubble of her bombed Yorkshire home. She takes her meals outside and sleeps in a shed.

But May is protective of Tom who seems to her even more lost. The need to appear strong for him motivates May to overcome her own fears. When Tom discovers a way to return home he elects to do so, believing that Sam will give May a good home.

Back in his own time, Tom's account of his adventures is not believed and he learns that the farm was destroyed by bombs just a few days after he left. The remainder of the film centers on his efforts to return so that he can finish helping May.

The acting for the camera directing is excellent, especially with the two child actors. "An Angel for May" offers an excellent example of the power a filmmaker can discover in the framing of his shots. Director Harley Cokeliss emphasizes the face and eyes of his young actors with multiple close-ups and reaction shots, which bonds the audience to them. This technique can reveal acting deficiencies but Cokeliss gets exactly what he needs from his two inexperienced stars; and the more experienced supporting cast is universally excellent.

Wakefield's role is the most challenging. She must sell not just her character's obvious terror, but also a multi-dimensionality that makes you understand why Sam and Alison see qualities inside her that make it so important to them that she be brought back from the brink.

Especially gratifying is the avoidance of many potential missteps in the climatic scenes. There is a nice and relatively unexpected twist without any overwrought melodrama. If you've allowed yourself to take this journey with Tom, you will be rewarded at the end with one of those extraordinary emotional experiences for which we watch films.

Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

A true gem that fell through the cracks

[mrmac-1 · 9/10 · 14 April 2010]

We always watch films for the story. This one not only has a humanistic story line, but truly fine acting. In addition, it involves the imagination we each had, and hopefully still do, when we were children. There is some magic here, and great inspiration. See it. It is one of those gems that, for whatever reasons, just slips away. The afternoon I watched this on television, I was sitting with my cat who passed away peacefully in that moment. His name was Rosie. Then, in this film, the boy, principal character, was running through the fields calling for Rosie. Go figure. It meant a great deal to me, and this is not why I am recommending the movie. I am critical, and the story in this film gives each of us some support for what it is to be human, and for what I consider to be one of the most important qualities we have, our imagination, or in other words, possibilities.

A delightful and imaginative family film

[robert-temple-1 · 9/10 · 28 October 2014]

This is a very fine British family film. Because it is British rather than American, it is not stuffed full of artificial and mawkish sentimentality, but is more effective for being 'straight up'. The central role is played by an excellent child actor named Matthew Beard (born 1989), who since then has appeared in many films and TV series, most recently playing Guy Bellingfield in the rather notorious recent film THE RIOT CLUB (2014), which parodies the Bullingdon Club at Oxford. The young girl who plays opposite Beard is played by Charlotte Wakefield (born 1990), who is also excellent. Since then she has appeared in four TV series. Angeline Ball does an excellent job of playing the highly nervy and objectionable mother of Beard and does some really good hysterical scenes. (Let's hope she does not take her work home with her.) Sturdy Tom Wilkinson is there, like an English oak, supporting the whole effort with his unflappable demeanour as a farmer who is the adoptive father of the girl. Anna Massey plays 'Rosie' and gives a marvellous professional polish to the proceedings, as she did to everything. Of all the actresses I have known, she was certainly one of the nicest and most intelligent. She was married to a delightful, gentle scientist named Uri Andres (who once astounded me by handing me a chunk of kimberlite containing diamonds), having earlier somehow survived marriage to Jeremy Brett, which was evidently not easy. (She also had sadly unsatisfactory relationships with her father and her brother, the actors Raymond Massey and Daniel Massey, so you could say she had a rough time with the male gender for much of her life.) She was a truly fascinating woman. The well-known character actress Dora Bryan has a bit part in this film, and it is a shame we see so little of her. Willard Carroll has done a very good job of directing this film. The story is a 'slip through time' one, where the little boy of today goes back to the days of World War Two and then returns much wiser. It is quite an adventure, and children will love it. The film was shot entirely on location in South Yorkshire, with much beautiful scenery. The film is entirely wholesome, and the coarsest thing in it is milking a cow.

A Time Travel Story with Heart

[gradyharp · 8/10 · 14 February 2006]

In AN ANGEL FOR MAY director Harley Cokeliss has assembled a fine cast and production team to bring this 'children's classic' novel by Melvin Burgess to the screen (screenplay by Peter Milligan), and in doing so he has quite successfully transferred a very tender little tale into a full blown motion picture that still maintains the gentle message of Burgess' book.

Tom (Tam in the book - played by Matthew Beard) is a disillusioned young lad, living in a broken home in Yorkshire England, and in need of finding meaning to his brittle life. He happens upon a relic of a structure where he encounters a dog and a 'bag lady', and also the entry port to a trip to the past!Time traveling to WW II he lands in London during the blitz attacks, befriends a young girl named May (Charlotte Wakefield) and then time travels back to the present where he encounters disbelief in his adventure. He feels he must return to the past to save May from an impending doom and in his attempts in doing so he comes to learn much about life, death, devotion, promises, and the effects of the passage of time.

The actors are exceptional, both Beard and Wakefield as children but also Tom Wilkinson and Anna Massey in roles as adults whose participation in Tom's plight are deeply touching. The cinematography is breathtakingly beautiful and the pacing of the direction is excellent. Stories such as this require a certain amount of fantasy participation in order to be effective, and this is where Cokeliss shines. He does not allow the sentiment to become cloying and he maintains enough reality checks between the adults and the children to make us believe in angels a bit. It is a sweet film, very well made, and worth the viewer's time with its important message. Grady Harp

Cannot speak highly enough

[gettingyoustartedtoday · 10/10 · 13 September 2020]

One of the most heartwarming movies that will be remembered for a long time.

An unhappy boy time travels to the past and helps a troubled girl.

[gstoebel · 8/10 · 13 September 2005]

"An Angel For May" is a pleasant surprise. It is a story of an unhappy boy who is transported back in time to World War II England where he meets and is befriended by May, a victim of the Blitz who has been evacuated to the country after being trapped in the ruins of her family home for a week.

Tom's presence seems to heal May. However when Tom is transported back to his own time he learns the fate of May and the family who took him. Tom then struggles to return to the past to save May and the family from their fate.

SciFi fans will recognize the principle that you can't change the past and others will enjoy action/adventure of this family drama.

An Angel For May Worth Seeing TWICE!!!

[dplomin · 10/10 · 12 March 2006]

I really enjoyed this film one night last month when it was playing on my cable TV when I was arbitrarily changing channels.

Unlike American films which have to BLOW UP SOMETHING or have some guy getting a shot in the groin, this film was refreshing in its' depiction of young and old people who acted like REAL human beings, in the guise of a romantic/sad/uplifting ghost/time travel story.

This genre is rare these days, and seldom done as good as this film. Kudos to the cast, crew, writer and ALL involved. TRULY, a labor of love!

Dave

Chicago, IL

Really good!

[simp_lover · 10/10 · 23 December 2002]

This film shows an excellent contrast between the modern world and the war worlds. It lets a modern-day boy see exactly how hard it was for people during a war, and what sort of stuff they had to put up with. It is very emotional but educational at the same time. Plus, the lad in it is fit!!!!!!!!

Sweet film

[sammybarb · 8/10 · 24 May 2006]

This is a very sweet film, about a young boy who is able to time travel, but he does so for his friend, May. There were some interesting surprises,and the plot left you always wondering. It is sort of like a MUCH nicer "Butterfly Effect", but still, all in all not the same, but MUCH better. I would recommend this for adults and children alike, and the children may not understand at first, but the message of kindness and caring will surely come through, as May's Angel is a young boy himself. While they have Irish accents, the cast is not hard to understand at all, as they have a very light brogue, and not the heavy accents you see in some movies. Highly recommend to see, if you get the chance.

A thought-provoking film

[eldamar · 19 June 2003]

I enjoyed this film very much, having seen it advertised in the TV guide, I eagerly awaited to see it. I actually know Matthew Beard, so was with great delight to see him acting in a major role. I enjoyed the film not only for the fact that the acting was brilliant from all the cast, but the story-line itself was very cleverly written.

Courage and compassion

[apophus6 · 9/10 · 16 July 2006]

A thoughtful and sensitive film. Several intriguing plot turns and all the possibilities of time-paradox without the usual (which I generally don't mind either)"earth shattering" consequences. Nice blending of real life dramas effecting so many young people today and a compelling story line that succeeds in convincing the viewer that lives can be altered in a positive way by the virtues of courage and compassion. Overall, a great story for young and old alike, a believable cast and the beautiful backdrop of the English countryside. It is a shame that this one did not get widespread distribution, it could have been one of those sleepers that reaches nearly cult status and even awards. See it soon.

Excellent Movie-Great Lessons

[danjhoy · 10/10 · 15 February 2009]

I just finished watching this movie with my son. We both loved it! It has a great story which engages the imagination of young and older viewers.

The setting is in Yorkshire England post World War 2. The acting is very genuine from the young cast which helps the viewer to get lost in the plot.

More important however, is the way that this movie engages the heart, by gently leading the viewer to consider the impact/long term effects, one persons life can have on others--if they will take a moment to consider the frailty of the lives around them and sacrifice a little.

Beautiful, you'll cry :)

How original. Somehow reminds me of a book.....

[nescio_3 · 8/10 · 16 November 2008]

It's a nice enough story, and filmed in just the right touch of romance. Casting is also just right, and the location is true to the story setting. As an adult I like viewing it even if it is meant for children. There are some hidden messages children would never catch, which make it worthwhile to view. But one thing came to mind as soon as the plot became clear. The writer(s) almost MUST have read "Johnny and the bomb" (1996) by Terry Pratchett. There simply are too many parallels for coincidence. Of course I can't go into the details much without disclosing the plot of the story. But some of the characters and the major story line are exactly the same. Read the book and decide for yourself. A great book by the way, even be it for the youth.

awesome movie

[ExtremelyRowdy · 10/10 · 25 July 2006]

I liked this movie very very very much 'cuz the guy is a good person and he found out that he liked helping others even when he went back in time. May was cool too. I am still watching it so I do not know the end.I am at the part where he meets Susan and is asking about May. English movies are cool to begin with and so different than here in America. I am fascinated by time and sometimes I dream about the same stuff. Like what would happen if I was him and I went back in time? I have never ever seen a movie like this one and I am going to tell my buds about how cool this movie is. I think my family will like it, too. I hope they make more movies like this one. It is so awesome.

peace STeven

Surprisingly well done

[Snootz · 8/10 · 9 December 2020]

This movie is well-crafted on all points, surprising for a TV-movie. The characters are well-acted and believable. The story line is tight and actually has a story. Time travel is more a vehicle for the plot than the focus. I could see someone giving this 9 or 10 stars and I wouldn't disagree with their choice. I give it 8 because I reserve 9 and 10 for "best of the best". This is high quality, well-presented entertainment. Good writing, good directing. Can't think of anything in the film I disliked. Found it enjoyable from beginning to end.

A Warm Tear-jerker

[[e-mail] · 10/10 · 3 April 2013]

This is a surprising little gem of a film that takes a slightly hackneyed premise and brings it to life again. A boy, child of a modern family, seems to be acting up. Then he disappears. But things are not as they seem in this heartwarming drama about a young boy learning to trust, and a young girl learning to love, in this tale of two times in one place. The acting is fine and understated, but Tess the dog will still steal your heart! The film has a realistic sheen to it, rather than the usual mistiness associated with films of the genre, and this ordinariness heightens the quality of the drama. What is more, the film is not set in London, as so many are. There is little else I can say without spoiling your enjoyment of the film.

Masterpiece in 2002

[noternetra · 10/10 · 27 September 2023]

Wooooooooow , just wow i was just a kid when i saw this movie (like 3 or 4) i can't believe that i found it after 20 years i mean in 2002 that was a Masterpiece and I'm sure ,it still is.

I think i felt something that i couldn't feel for years new movies are nothing compare to this one I almost cried It was really moving , there is no word for describing it , it was just perfect.

I wish he could save them all, but i guess there was no other way thanks for making this epic movie, made my night.

And what an writing , what an story , what an performance but i have to say it wasn't easy to find high quality.