Lately it seems that the word immigrant has taken on a whole
new meaning. Politicians from both sides of the aisle seem determined to either
demonize immigrants or cast them into sainthood. The reality is that immigrants
made this country what it is today. And for those politicians perhaps they
should consider that it wasn’t all immigrants but legal immigrants that helped
form this melting pot. So what better time to release a film about an Irish
immigrant who comes to America and finds love?
BROOKLYN is just that, a sort of throwback to those romantic
films of the past fueled by romance, love and affection rather than simple
lusts and hookups. Saoirse Ronan stars as Eilis Lacey, a young woman who leaves
behind her mother and sister in Ireland with the hope of creating a better life
for herself in the United States. Sponsored by a local priest Eilis sets sail
for America with no idea of what to expect. Fortunately she ends up bunking
with a young woman who has been through the ropes already.
Upon arrival Eilis takes up residence at a boarding house
the priest set her up in Brooklyn, watched over by matriarchal Mrs. Keogh
(Julie Walters). She and withdrawn, Eilis gets to know the other girls living
there as well as the rules Mrs. Keogh establishes. In order to take care of
herself the priest has also arranged a job for Eilis in a big department store.
At first she finds this job difficult because of her shyness as well as a
serious bout of homesickness. All of that changes when she meets Tony (Emory
Cohen).
Tony is a plumber who comes from a large Italian family.
Although both come from different backgrounds the attraction is mutual and soon
they are as serious a couple as can be found. Eilis meets Tony’s family and
they are taken with her. The movie does a great job of showing their love
developing rather than have things move at light speed. You believe in the
affection that bonds the two of them together.
But thing change suddenly and Eilis is called back to
Ireland. With plans of this being a short visit things alter those plans along
with more than a few nudges from her mother. As the visit lengthen Eilis finds
herself attracted to a young man in her home town named Jim (Domhnall Gleason).
Eilis carries secrets with her tear at her, as she must come to terms with
decisions made in the past and to be made. Just what decision she will make
will affect not just her life but the lives of those around her.
The movie is entertaining from start to finish. Not once
does this movie become one where you find yourself staring at the clock,
checking to see how much longer the movie is or grabbing the remote to fast
forward. It engages you as a viewer and holds you captivated by the story of a
young woman who not only discovers love but does so with two different men. How
she comes to the decision she does by the end of the film is a satisfying
conclusion to a movie that not only keeps you watching but makes you consider
the lives of so many who came to this country all those years ago.
While every performance involved in this film is superb it
is that lead role of Eilis as performed by Saoirse Ronan that holds the movie
together. Not once do you think this is an actress in a role. She captures the
very essence of Eilis from early on in the film until its end. At only 21 years
of age she has already rung up a number of outstanding performances in several
films. She may have lost the Oscar this past year for this performance but I
would be willing to bet the elusive award will find its way into her hands
eventually.
The movie is one of the best nights I’ve had in some time
watching films to write about. As I said earlier I never once found myself
looking for something else to do or somewhere else to be. I was too caught up
in the story of this young woman in search of something better. My guess is
that you will be as well. This one is not just a movie that you’ll watch and
forget, but one that you might want to add to your shelf.
Click here to order.
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