"tear her limb from limb" should she ever touch his daughter again. Desmond returns to drink, and after several rampages Bernadette refuses to continue her relationship with him until he shapes up; Desmond reforms. The American Nick Barron (Aidan Quinn), and the injured rugby player and rebel lawyer Thomas Connolly (Alan Bates) argue Desmond's court plea for regaining custody of his children; it is rejected by the courts leading Desmond and his children heartbroken and separated. But that night, the same night Desmond quits drinking, a gambler rigs Desmond to win copious amounts of money to pay his legal bills. But with nowhere to go, the case seems hopeless until Connolly proposes bringing an entirely new issue to the Supreme Court: that the lack of children's custody by a parent is contrary to the Irish Constitution—an issue never successfully argued before the Court. It takes public pressure for the case to be heard before the Court. Desmond gives compelling testimony. The following day, Evelyn says in court that she told a false story about her bruised face because Sister Bridget exaggerated her interaction with Desmond. Evelyn works herself into a pickle when angel rays come into the court through the windows—a sign to her that her grandfather was watching over her. She recants her newly-expressed explanation with comebacks that make people chuckle. She concludes with a recitation of a prayer asking to forgive Sister Bridget and ensure the prospering of Ireland and its people. Two of the three judges side with Desmond, the children are returned to him, and he falls in love with Bernadette. They are shown on Christmas Day, celebrating as a family. Historical accuracy Survivors of the industrial schools have criticised the claim in the credits of the film that changes in Irish law resulting from the case led to children being reunited with their families. Cast Pierce Brosnan as Desmond Doyle Julianna Margulies as Bernadette Beattie Frank Kelly as Henry Doyle Stephen Rea as Michael Beattie Aidan Quinn as Nick Barron Alan Bates as Tom Connolly Sophie Vavasseur as Evelyn Doyle Bosco Hogan as Father O'Malley Mark Lambert as Minister of Education John Lynch as Senior Counsel Mr. Wolfe Production Ardmore Studios, and Castleknock College were used as filming locations. Reception On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 64% based on reviews from 114 critics. On Metacritic the film has a score of