Watch Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is a drama/thriller film from 2002, directed by Edward Burns who also co-wrote the script and had a lead role in the movie. The story takes place in Hell's Kitchen, New York and follows two brothers, Francis (Elijah Wood) and Sean Sullivan (Edward Burns), who are trying to escape from their past by starting a new life away from the criminal underworld they used to be a part of. The movie begins with Francis being released from prison after serving a five-year sentence. He immediately visits his older brother Sean, who is now a reformed man running his own bar and living with his wife, Grace (Rosario Dawson). Sean is reluctant to let Francis back into his life, knowing that his younger brother's presence will bring back memories of the past that he has been trying to leave behind. Francis, on the other hand, is determined to make amends with his brother and start a new life. He soon reconnects with his former criminal associates, including a drug dealer named Moran (Vincent Rubino) and a loan shark named Val (Jim Norton). However, Francis finds himself in trouble when he crosses paths with a crazed Irish gangster named Dodd (Brian Burns), who is seeking revenge against the Sullivan brothers for a past incident. The movie is a character-driven drama that explores themes of family, loyalty, and redemption. As the story unfolds, we see the complicated relationships between Francis and Sean, as well as the bonds they have with their criminal associates. The tension between the brothers is palpable, with Sean struggling to forgive Francis for the mistakes of the past while also trying to protect him from Dodd's wrath. The performances of the cast are impressive, especially Elijah Wood's portrayal of Francis as a troubled young man trying to find his place in the world. Edward Burns' performance as Sean is also noteworthy, as he convincingly portrays a man torn between his loyalty to his family and his desire to lead a normal life. The film's pace is slow at times, but the tension and drama build gradually, leading to a climactic conclusion that packs an emotional punch. There are some strong scenes, particularly those between Francis and the women in his life, including his former girlfriend (played by Heather Graham) and a new love interest (played by Brittany Murphy). Overall, Ash Wednesday is a solid drama that explores the complexities of family relationships and the struggle for redemption. It's a well-acted movie that will keep viewers engaged from start to finish. The film provides an interesting perspective on the criminal underworld and how the past can have a lasting impact on one's life, while also exploring the themes of loss, pain, love, and hope.