A young Irishwoman immigrates to New York in the 1950's, but when tragedy strikes, she must choose between her past and her future.

DRAMA

Brooklyn (2015)

Directed by John Crowley

Written by Nick Hornby

Starring Saoirse Ronan, Emory Cohen, Julie Walters,
Jane Brennan, Eileen O'Higgins, Domhnall Gleeson,
​Jim Broadbent, Emily Bett Rickards, Eve Macklin

Based on the novel by Colm Tóibín

Oscar Nominations - Best Picture, Best Actress ​(Saoirse Ronan),
​Best Adapted Screenplay

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Connor Eyzaguirre

February 25, 2018

8/10

America presents a certain degree of opportunity to a good portion of the world. For hundreds of years, this country has opened its borders to the less fortunate and those who seek to build new lives for themselves. Brooklyn is a film that beautifully details one young Irishwoman's struggle to become her own person in America, and the journey she goes on to find herself. The film acts as a sort of ode to every immigrant who ever traveled to Ellis Island with the hopes of becoming an American. It's a remarkable film led by a powerful, endearing performance from Saoirse Ronan, who shows how she's well on her way to becoming one of cinema's most celebrated actresses.

Ronan portrays young Eilis, an Irishwoman who travels to America with the hopes of becoming a bookkeeper. At first, she struggles with her new life, but when she meets Tony, a kindhearted Italian, life suddenly turns in her favor as she falls in love. Unlike a lot of love stories, Eilis and Tony's budding romance never seems forced. It's organic and realistic, which only adds to the beauty of the film. Unfortunately, things fall apart when Eilis's sister dies back in Ireland, and she's forced to decide between staying in America with Tony or returning to Ireland to console her grieving mother. I won't spoil it, but the third act of this film is an emotional rollercoaster.

Brooklyn is a gorgeous film that weaves together the pivotal years of a young immigrant's life in order to craft a wondrous tapestry of drama and heart. This film has so much story to tell, and none of it ever feels disingenuous. Brooklyn comes highly recommended for its realistic depiction of life as an immigrant in 1950's New York and its beautiful story of hope in a strange new world.