SLIFF 2015 Review – BROOKLYN

Film fans of a certain…ahem…age are often grousing about the current state of cinema, saying that “they don’t make em’ like they used to”. BROOKLYN is the rejoinder to that tired dismissal. Of course it helps that the story’s setting is over sixty years in the past. But to quote another “old chestnut” it’s a love story that’s timeless. Well, it’s more of a coming-of-age love story, told through the wide eyes of Ellis (Saoirse Ronan), a sweet colleen barely past her teens. And yes she is Irish, with the film’s plot originating from the “emerald isle”. It is 1952 and she is eager (and a tad anxious) to begin a new adventure, for thanks to her connections at the local church, she is leaving her beloved mother and older sister to start a new life in America. We’re on board with her in the meager steerage cabin of the ocean liner for the often turbulent voyage. Once off the boat, she’s living with several single girls (some from the “old sod”) in a boarding house run by the supportive, but firm, Mrs. Kehoe (Julie Waters), and working the counter at a department store, a job procured by the sympathetic Father Flood (Jim Broadbent). Ellis battles homesickness, but her spirits are lifted by an unexpected romance with a sweet Italian-American, Tony (Emory Cohen). But when a tragedy forces Ellis to return home, things have changed in her little Irish village. She’s afforded employment and meets a new man, lanky local Jim (Domhnall Gleeson). Ellis promised Tony that she will return to NYC, but, well…what’s a young woman to do?

BROOKLYN is anchored by a confident mature performance by Ronan in the first of no doubt many leading adult roles. The supporting players are superb, including two actresses from celebrated US TV shows. John Crowley doesn’t rush the pace, and never overwhelms the charms of the screenplay by Nick (ABOUT A BOY) Hornby from the novel by Colm Toibin. The dazzling cinematography from Yves Belanger paints the authentic period sets and fashions with a warm, golden glow. BROOKLYN lets us all experience one hopeful immigrant’s journey and wraps us up in a cozy blanket of romance and nostalgia.

BROOKLYN screens at Landmark’s Tivoli Theatre on Friday, November 6 at 7 PM as part of the 24th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival. Purchase tickets here