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Poster for An Angel at My Table

An Angel at My Table

Seen it?

1990 | 158 min | Drama, History

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for history buffs. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 38 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • It's long: 2 hr 38 min.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Based on the autobiographical work of New Zealand writer Janet Frame, this production depicts the author at various stage of her life. Afflicted with mental and emotional issues, Frame grows up in an impoverished family and experiences numerous tragedies while still in her youth, including the deaths of two of her siblings. Portrayed as an adult by Kerry Fox, Frame finds acclaim for her writing while still in a mental institution, and her success helps her move on with her life.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    96% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsWeak

    Won 1 Venice award: Grand Jury Prize of the Venice Film Festival.

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 40K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Jane Campion

  • Kerry FoxJanet Frame
  • Alexia KeoghJanet Frame as a child
  • Karen FergussonJanet Frame as a teenager
  • Iris ChurnMother
  • Jessie MuneJanet Frame as a baby
  • Kevin J. WilsonFather
  • Edith CampionMiss Lindsay
  • Francesca CollinsBaby Jane
  • Melina BerneckerMyrtle
  • Mark MorrisonBruddie Frame as child