Brooklyn
Brooklyn is set in 1952, where Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan) travels from Enniscorthy in County Wexford to find a new life in New York City. She falls in love with an Italian American named Tony (Emory Cohen) but increasingly finds herself struggling with the challenges of being away from her family. A trip home forces her to confront a difficult question. Is Brooklyn or Ireland where her heart resides?
It's the sort of the story we've seen a number of times before, but it's well told nonetheless. The film is a relatively genteel affair in which most parties are treated sympathetically, save for a particularly vindictive shopkeeper. Ronan gives a terrific, expressive performance and fine support comes in the form of Julie Walters as Mrs Kehoe (Eilis' kind hearted but no nonsense landlady) and Jim Broadbent as Father Flood* (who arranges employment and support for Eilis upon arrival in Brooklyn).
I'm a big fan of Nick Hornby's writing and his screenplay, like much of his best work, excels in showcasing likeable characters who the audience empathise with. A possible exception is Tony's wisecracking eight year old brother, whose prototype can be found in any number of sitcoms. I once received a review that said that my set "isn't whizz bang fireworks, but lovingly crafted and rewarding to listen to". I feel similarly about Brooklyn. Overall, the film is a subtle and charming picture that cements Saoirse Ronan's position as one of our finest young acting talents.
* Father Flood was also the name of our local Catholic priest when I was a kid. I'm told by my family that I used to do mocking impressions of him. I have no memory of this.
It's the sort of the story we've seen a number of times before, but it's well told nonetheless. The film is a relatively genteel affair in which most parties are treated sympathetically, save for a particularly vindictive shopkeeper. Ronan gives a terrific, expressive performance and fine support comes in the form of Julie Walters as Mrs Kehoe (Eilis' kind hearted but no nonsense landlady) and Jim Broadbent as Father Flood* (who arranges employment and support for Eilis upon arrival in Brooklyn).
I'm a big fan of Nick Hornby's writing and his screenplay, like much of his best work, excels in showcasing likeable characters who the audience empathise with. A possible exception is Tony's wisecracking eight year old brother, whose prototype can be found in any number of sitcoms. I once received a review that said that my set "isn't whizz bang fireworks, but lovingly crafted and rewarding to listen to". I feel similarly about Brooklyn. Overall, the film is a subtle and charming picture that cements Saoirse Ronan's position as one of our finest young acting talents.
* Father Flood was also the name of our local Catholic priest when I was a kid. I'm told by my family that I used to do mocking impressions of him. I have no memory of this.
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