Review: Saoirse Ronan sweeps viewers off their feet in ‘Brooklyn’ (Includes first-hand account)

The American Dream was in some ways a marketing strategy designed to attract labourers to the country with the promise of work, money, better living conditions and limitless opportunities for advancement. The reality was harsher of course and once the infrastructure was in place, many of the men who built the city found themselves on the streets. But the fantasy endured and European immigrants continued to flock to the United States in the hopes of making their wishes for happiness and success come true. Brooklyn is the story of a young Irish woman eager to carve out a place for herself and build a life in the land of opportunity.

Eilis’ (Saoirse Ronan) prospects in Ireland were limited. In spite of her employment for the embittered local grocer, her sister Rose (Fiona Glascott) supported both her and their mother. But convinced she could do better, Rose arranges for Eilis to go to America. Even though she arrives in New York with a place to stay and a job waiting, Eilis’ homesickness is overwhelming — until she begins training to be a bookkeeper like her sister and meets Tony (Emory Cohen), an Italian boy who infiltrated the Irish dance. Their relationship convinces Eilis she could make a home in America, but an unforeseen calamity calls her back to Ireland. Suddenly the desolate landscape she escaped is an abundance of opportunity and home becomes a confusing concept.

This film is composed of a number of romances. First is Eilis’ fantasies about America. She can’t wait to run into the open arms of this unfamiliar, starry-eyed wonder, but it’s impossible for the infant country to live up to her illusory expectations. However her disappointment makes her stronger and more determined to overcome these superficial setbacks. While Eilis’ night classes are her first indication her mind could be content in America, Tony is the one who convinces her that home is truly where the heart is. He’s kind and their involvement conquers any negative feelings she had left about staying. Though their relationship is not portrayed in detail, the moments in which the audience sees them together are delightful. However upon returning to Ireland, Eilis is swept off her feet by a giddy seduction as it seems the whole town conspires to convince her to return permanently. The resurgence of her birthplace in shiny new packaging presents the greatest temptation as it now tries to lure her with everything she ever wanted. But a love triangle is unstable and something has to give eventually.

Ronan is exquisite in this role. The entire film rests on her shoulders and she carries it beautifully from start to finish. Eilis experiences a rollercoaster of emotions over the course of the year the movie encompasses and Ronan is sincere during every second. Her portrayal of Eilis is not too naïve or virtuous; rather she’s a competent young woman who acts with her brain as much as her heart. There is already buzz she may be able to expect best actress nominations as awards season approaches. Cohen is wonderfully charming as his character courts Eilis and gradually falls in love with her. He skilfully walks the line between a stereotype and a unique human being, convincing audiences the young Italian boy could make the Irish girl unequivocally happy. As Jim Broadbent is destined to appear in most Irish movies, he plays a priest who counsels Eilis through her more difficult times.

There’s nothing melodramatic about the picture, though the temptation was undoubtedly there — particularly in the final minutes. Instead, it’s a simple, captivating story about a young woman finding the American Dream.

Director: John Crowley
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Emory Cohen and Domhnall Gleeson

Similar Posts

  • Review: ‘Seventh Son’ not a sign of superiority (Includes first-hand account)

    Medieval stories are filled with magic and monsters that only the most noble of men can defeat. Knights, legacies and/or those with a pure heart are called upon to fight the evil that haunts a land and — because as G.K. Chesterton said, “… Fairy tales tell children that dragons can be killed,” — they are almost always triumphant. This is the world in which Seventh Son exists.

  • Review: ‘Harry Potter’ 4K puts viewers at the centre of a magical rivalry (Includes first-hand account)

    In 2001, audiences were introduced to Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. Sixteen years later, it’s hard to believe more time has passed since the first Harry Potter film premiered than the child stars’ ages at the time of shooting (they were between 11 and 13 when they began this journey). The films have been released and re-released a number of times since the series’ conclusion, offering budget options, complete sets and limited collectible boxes. With so many choices, fans have often been selective about which versions they purchase. But it may be time to buy the movies again because Warner Bros. is releasing all the films on 4K.

  • Review: ‘The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ learns from the past (Includes first-hand account)

    Older characters in movies are generally seen in supporting roles, restricted to the sidelines as their younger counterparts have all the fun. But as some of cinema’s greatest and most likable actors age, filmmakers are seizing the opportunity to tell stories that appeal to a more mature demographic. In recent years, there have been a number of films featuring aged actors who are not afraid to call attention to their years of experience. However The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel sets itself apart by centring on a somewhat more realistic though still entertaining view of retirement that doesn’t involve guns or espionage.

  • Review: ‘Don’t Breathe’ holds on until the very end(s) (Includes first-hand account)

    There’s no such thing as the perfect crime; there’s always unexpected variables that require alterations or improvisation, and sometimes these surprises are enough to derail the whole operation. Murphy’s Law states that something can and will go wrong in even the best laid plans — the question becomes one of the final outcome. In Don’t Breathe, a group of amateur thieves discover their victim is a bigger problem than the police in even their worst case scenario.

  • Review: ‘A Most Violent Year’ is most excellent (Includes first-hand account)

    In 1981, violent crimes in New York reached an all-time high. Urban decay led to an increase in robberies and, consequently, violent crimes. It became dangerous to earn an honest living, but that didn’t stop people from trying. In A Most Violent Year, a business owner refuses to sink to the lows of his competitors even though his honour is slowly becoming his downfall.