BROOKLYN - A Blarney Tale of an Irish Lass' Immigration

BROOKLYN is based on the book by Irish author Colm Toibin.  It's the story of Eilis, an Irish girl who immigrates to America in 1947 with dreams of a better life.  Eilis is the younger sister.  Both are living at home with their widowed mother. Eilis is being sponsored by an Irish/Amer priest in the States through the finagling of her big sister.  Life in provincial Ireland holds little promise while the opportunities awaiting a life in America seem boundless.  Eilis played by Saoirse Ronan (Atonement, Lovely Bones) is played with placable innocence.  We see her take root and develop a fondness for her newly established life.  Her homesickness wans as her confidence and affection grow for a young man of Italian immigrants.  Under the solid direction of Irish dir John Crowley, we see through Eilis' keen eyes with wonderment and savvy.  The plot turns back to Ireland at the unexpected death of her beloved sister.  The universal themes of assimilation and finding one's place in the world are touching and meaningful.  There's humor & heart to be found with Eilis' adapting & growing sophistication.  The lucky, charming casting includes Jim Broadbent as her priest/benefactor and Domhnall Gleeson (Ex Machina, About Time) as a love interest upon a return to Ireland.  "Home is home," or where the heart lies.  The film is beautifully shot on both sides of the Atlantic.  This is a yarn overflowing with heartfelt emotions.