
An Angel at My Table
Seen it?1990 | 158 min | Drama, History
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