While Italians showcased their conquest of New York in “The Godfather,” the Irish now have a worthy response – the emotional and poignant “Brooklyn.”
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Set in the 1950s, Eilis, living in a dull Irish backwater, yearns for a new life. Through relatives and acquaintances, she finds an opportunity in faraway New York. However, leaving her beloved sister and strict but dear mother tears her apart, causing Eilis more pain than any obstacle she faces in America. Gradually, life in her new home improves. Eilis has a job, is studying to become an accountant, and receives a proposal from a young man from a large Italian family. But just as happiness seems within reach, fate demands she return to her hometown.
.jpg “Scene from the movie “Brooklyn””)
We all know that America is considered a melting pot of nations, that the American nation is a vast and diverse collection of immigrants, and that the United States, along with its individual traits, retains many characteristics of the European peoples who once populated the eastern coast of the new continent. Filmmakers are well aware of this, and they gladly turn to the theme of the state’s formation, to the age-old question of what allowed the creation of a monolithic new nation from the numerous pieces of the most diverse mosaic. Filmmakers have mentioned the Irish, who actively settled the New World at all times, more than once, but perhaps never with such love as in “Brooklyn.” So, what touched critics and viewers so much about John Crowley’s film? Let’s take a look.
.jpg “Scene from the movie “Brooklyn””)
Filming Location
The scenes on the Irish coast were filmed near the famous Curracloe Beach. Steven Spielberg also filmed the landing of Allied troops on the Normandy coast for “Saving Private Ryan” in the same location.
The Charms of “Brooklyn”
Even at a superficial first glance, “Brooklyn” has two significant advantages. Firstly, the film is made with great love for life, for the characters, and for the countries connected to Eilis’s fate. Even though in the first part of the film, the authors diligently make it clear to the audience what exactly the main character is fleeing from to America, Ireland does not look like a prison, a hole, or a family curse. Yes, in the mid-20th century, many countries experienced post-war depression, but the beauty of nature and the true spirit of a free northern country cannot be eradicated from Ireland. The titular Brooklyn is also shown just as touchingly. It is not the promised land, it is not heaven on earth, but it is a place quite suitable for living, albeit demanding of newcomers.
.jpg “Scene from the movie “Brooklyn””)
Secondly, “Brooklyn” is a very warm, beautiful, and somehow old-school tender love story. At a time when you subconsciously expect tricks from movie love stories, Crowley’s film is unusually simple and understandable. Even the love triangle only arises in the minds of the viewers – the heroine is not stupid at all and clearly understands where love is and where a simple coincidence of circumstances is. Such straightforwardness, sincerity, and accessibility make the characters alive, the situations understandable, and the viewers’ experiences real. “Brooklyn” is that rare case when you genuinely wish the heroine well throughout the film.
.jpg “Scene from the movie “Brooklyn””)
Casting
Rooney Mara was initially signed for the main role, but due to conflicts in the production schedule, she had to be replaced by Saoirse Ronan. Ronan, in turn, was too young for the role, so the project sat on the shelf for a couple of years before filming began.
Saoirse Ronan’s Stellar Performance
And if we have started talking about the central character of the film, then we must shower compliments on the magnificent Saoirse Ronan, who seems to have played the main role in her life. We are sure that this actress’s life will be divided into “before and after” with the release of “Brooklyn.” It’s not that all of Ronan’s previous roles were unremarkable, it’s just that Eilis gave the actress the opportunity to demonstrate all her skills, but with great demands, such a role also gives a fantastic return. However, we will not rush with the highest score – everything is unpredictable in the women’s nominations this year, but Saoirse has definitely earned an acting “Oscar.”
.jpg “Scene from the movie “Brooklyn””)
And the film is not accidental in the “best film” nomination either – “Brooklyn” is understandable and close to a very large number of viewers, because one way or another, many people have had to change their lives. Someone left their father’s house, someone did not have time to say goodbye properly to departed loved ones, someone doubted their choice, someone despaired in a new environment, someone overcame everything in life except nostalgia for home – all this fills “Brooklyn” with bright, mesmerizing light and makes the dull life at the turn of the eras a fairy tale.
A brilliant declaration of love for the Irish roots of America, a modest film about overcoming the most difficult break in every person’s life – leaving the parental home. A hymn to love and pure feelings, amazing for the cynical 2010s.