The Worst Film Ever

Absolutely brilliant

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Writer/director Michael Rymer's strong, realistic script and profound performances from John Lynch and Jacqueline McKenzie ensure "Angel Baby" is an impacting drama about two schizophrenic out-patients who begin a relationship and plan to start a family.Rymer has researched his material well, and this shows in the tellingly accurate screenplay and the sharply observed characters. John Lynch is superb as Harry, a mentally ill fellow who falls immediately for Kate, the bizarre young woman who consults a spiritual guide (her guardian angel who communicates with her through t.v.'s "Wheel of Fortune") for any decision she faces or information she needs. As the said Kate, McKenzie is incredible and has you completely absorbed with her amazing characterisation. The impressive support cast includes Colin Friels, Deborah Lee-Furness and David Argue.For all it's merits though, "Angel Baby" seems to have no point. Perhaps it is just a quiet statement about the prejudices society holds against the mentally ill, especially those who suffer from schizophrenia. Certainly Rymer never attempts to drive a point home. This can often make for a more enjoyable movie, but "Angel Baby's" hope-less ending, though moving, rather leaves its audience floundering. Tragically Mr. Rymer has killed off what was, up until then, a great movie with too realistic a conclusion, much as Peter Weir did with "Dead Poet's Society".Pic's other problem involves relating to the audience. Two fabulous performances and incisive writing can never help us get inside the skin of people we do not understand. Little explanation as to the origin of their illnesses, or even of the illness itself, is given, making it hard for us to comprehend the whys and wherefores. Of course the reality of schizophrenia is, we don't really understand it very well at all. There is surely much more to it than we know.Monday, June 2, 1997 - Hoyts Croydon

The two movies I have cried most to have to be this one and Grave of the Fireflies. Both are excellent movies that moves your very soul. If you are going to watch this make sure you watch it with someone you love and can hug.

I saw this movie recently and enjoyed it very much. It is a truly beautiful love story. I am an RN and I think the characters schitzophrenia and the activities of The Clubhouse and the hospital are realistically portrayed. John Lynch is absolutely adorable. I like Jacqueline MacKenzie, too. I can't believe that she is the same girl who was in Romper Stomper. (That movie is worth watching too.) I loved the music from this movie especially "On Your Shore" by Enya. It was the perfect music choice for the scene it is used in. This movie is definitely worth seeing once and is better the second time when you've got the accents down.

In terms of drawing a direct and raw emotional response to the characters, Angel Baby is probably the best film I have ever seen. Because the characters go through some torrid times, the viewer is drawn into some very unpleasant territory. But I emerged emotionally fulfilled, and really feeling as though I had connected with the mental state of the characters. If this is what you seek from a movie, then please see this one.