Brooklyn by far has to be one of the most entertaining movies detailing the struggle of Irish immigrants in the 1950's. That's probably because its one of the only films detailing the struggles of Irish immigrants in the 1950's. However if you just stop and think that this is a movie dealing with Irish immigrants in the 1950's, you are sorely mistaken, my friend. Brooklyn tales the story of Ellis Lacey, a woman who immigrates to New York City in 1952 and settles... you guessed it, Brooklyn. Based on the novel of the same name by Colm Toibin, the film follows Ellis' departure from Ireland, settling in Brooklyn, and-when tragedy strikes her family- return to Ireland, and her decision between her old home and her American dream. The story focuses on the individual struggle of Ellis, and rather than being a statement on Irish struggles, frames itself as a story of an individual leaving one home and making another. This film might have easily been about any immigrant, Irish or not, as it speaks to the personal struggle, not the national. No where in the film is race ever considered an issue (and in fact, the people of color in the film -while relegated to extras- are all portrayed as equal to their white counterparts, something I found rather surprising given the time period its set in). Rather than make it about race, Director John Crowley makes it about home: is it a place or rather is it people we love? Brooklyn is shot wonderfully, with very few CG establishing shots, yet beautiful close ups, with the main motif being Saorise Ronan's stunning eyes. Because of the themes, her eyes tell the story just as much as the dialogue. Saorise Ronan is far and away the shining star of the film. She effortlessly navigates excitement, awe, homesickness, grief, and love -basically all the emotions anyone moving to a new place feels. Yet as flawless as her performance is (she's nominated for an Oscar after all), her co-stars each hold their own. Emory Cohen is strong as Ellis' Italian-American suitor Tony (though he is easily upstaged by his hilarious younger brother) and Domhall Gleeson is a heatbreaker as Jim, a potential suitor back home in Ireland. Overall, Brooklyn is a wonderful film well deserving of it's Best Picture Nomination. Funny Note: I'm pretty sure I was the youngest person in the audience... everyone else had to be at least 50 or older. |
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