Brooklyn

Every once in a while a movie comes along - often under the radar and overlooked - that makes you believe in the power of cinema again. A film so precise in every aspect of production that it actually draws you into it’s world of make believe and won’t let go no matter how hard you try and fight against it. A fine example of this rare type of movie-going experience is ‘Brooklyn’, an astounding historical period drama directed by Irish newcomer John Crowley.  From the screenplay and the acting, to the costumes and the set design, ‘Brooklyn’ is dripping wet with 1950’s nostalgia that will leave you wanting more once the lights go up and you return to the present day.

                  As you may have guessed from the title, New York City plays a vital role here, but the film is Irish through and through. It is based on Colm Toibin’s novel of the same name, and features a subtle yet deeply moving lead performance by Irish actress Saoirse Ronan (Atonement, The Lovely Bones). Set in the early 1950’s ‘Brooklyn’ tells the story of Eilis Lacey, a young woman from a small country town in Ireland who is in search of a more fulfilling and exciting life. When her sister gives her the chance to leave her and her mother behind to start a new life in the United States, Eilis jumps at the opportunity. Upon arriving in Brooklyn she starts to feel the guilt of leaving everything she has ever known behind in Ireland, but she also begins to realize all of the possibilities that her new situation has to offer. Eilis soon meets a young Italian man named Tony (played brilliantly by Emory Cohen), and immediately becomes infatuated with his fresh and charming demeanor. When it comes time for Eilis to make a visit back to her home country, her and Tony make a promise to be faithful to one another no matter what. Upon returning to Ireland she is introduced to another man named Jim (played by the utterly talented Domhnall Gleeson), and is caught in a crossroads of love and loyalty, trying to decide which life she is truly made for.

                         As the awards season rapidly approaches we start to become aware of smaller, more independently produced films that are laced with talent and packed with golden statue worthy content. ‘Brooklyn’ is no different as it is filled with some of the best acting and production design that you have seen all year. The movie was an instant hit after it premiered at Sundance in January. Following the premier, it was involved in a bidding war between movie studios which was eventually won by Fox Searchlight Pictures who paid $9 million dollars for the distribution rights, one of the biggest deals to ever come out of the prestigious film festival. The screenplay, which was adapted by Nick Hornby, is incredibly delicate and nuanced. Every word that pours out of the characters mouths feels genuine and accessible, and the rather simplistic plot is wrapped up in realism and filled with emotion. I dare you to watch this film and not get teary eyed while you think about a love long lost, or while you relate to the feeling of homesickness that is prevalent throughout.

                         Be on the lookout for nominations at both the Golden Globes and Oscars this year for Ronan’s powerhouse performance, the memorable costume design, and Hornby’s adapted screenplay. ‘Brooklyn’ is a perfect collaboration between Irish, English, and American filmmakers who have a passion for telling a story that transcends time and is poignant for viewers’ young and old. It is filled with moments of sadness as well as joy and manages to be both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.  While you’re waiting for the bigger blockbusters to come out later this holiday season, give ‘Brooklyn’ a chance and you wont be disappointed.