It’s hard not to think of action and adventure when talking about Pierce Brosnan movies. The current 007 has starred in the last four Bond films as well as producing and starring in “The Thomas Crown Affair.”

With his latest project, “Evelyn,” directed by Bruce Beresford, Brosnan ditches the tuxedo and slick gadgets in exchange for three children and a drinking problem. All those gadgets wouldn’t work in “Evelyn” — a film grounded in reality and based on a true story.

Desmond Doyle is a painter and decorator in Dublin, Ireland in 1953. The movie begins at Christmas, when the Doyle family finds itself falling apart. His wife runs out on him and he has not had any income for weeks. What little money he does have is spent on beer at the local pub. He and his father drink the night away as he tries to water down his reality.

The condition of the household leads the state and church of Ireland to take Desmond’s children from him. Brosnan shows his versatility as an actor — he reached a depressed state on screen that is very convincing and gives depth to his role. Now you see a caring father with the world upon his shoulders and only a pint of Guiness to comfort him. The ultra-confident secret agent was nowhere to be found.

Aiding Desmond in his fight to regain custody of his children are Bernadette the bar maid, played by Julianna Margulies, the Emmy-winning actress from “ER,” and a team of lawyers headed up by Nick, a Yankee-lawyer played by Aidan Quinn.

Though his case is viewed as hopeless by every legal consultant, Doyle presses on, inspiring everyone he talks to with the love he has for his children. Evelyn, played by 9-year-old Sophie Vavassuer, is the center of those feelings and is the namesake for the film. Vavassuer’s three years of studying acting is noticeable — at times she speaks much older than the average 9-year-old would.

The story progresses nicely with short comedic interludes, keeping the movie more realistic. Even when you are fighting for your family, funny things happen and witty things are said. Those small touches add warmth to the story. With Brunadette’s help, Desmond quits drinking and works around the clock to pay for the high cost of fighting to change the Irish Constitution.

The case even makes its way to the Irish Supreme Court. Emotional testimony from both Brosnan and Vavassuer and intelligent arguing from Quinn leave the courts with a truly difficult decision.

The case was one of the first to be broadcast on television. People around the world witnessed the unfolding of the case and its groundbreaking conclusion.

Brosnan offers an authentic performance, stretching his comedic and dramatic muscles to bring the character of Desmond Doyle to life. With the help of a strong supporting cast, the picture is touching and powerful, portraying true events with sincerity.