Sunday night is movie night in the BMAF household. A night I look forward to as time to spend with Mrs BMAF and Pepper on the sofa, after a busy working week.
However, this week’s choice, Brooklyn, chosen by Mrs BMAF did not wow me, as not excited by it.
Yet, this is one of the joys of film, by watching someone else’s recommendation, I saw an unexpected gem. This film shows why we need to care for our characters and why without a good script, films suffer.
The film, directed by John Crowley, which was nominated for 3 Oscars: Best Picture; Best adapted screenplay for Nick Hornby from Colm Toibin’s novel and Best Actress for Saoirse Ronan.
Saoirse is normally excellent in all we have seen her in, from pieces like Atonement to action films like Hanna, she also just about made the film version of the Twilight saga’s Stephenie Meyer’s The Host watchable. She certainly is worthy of her Oscar nomination for her performance of Eilis.
Through the local priest, Eilis is given the opportunity to leave Ireland in the 1950’s to take on a shop role in Brooklyn, which will give her a much better life. Whilst Eilis is aware that this is a wonderful chance, she arrives in Brooklyn desperately lonely and missing her sister Rose (Fiona Glascott)
She is living under the strict but fair Mrs. Keogh (Julie Walters) and other than work, she goes out to the Friday dance, where she meets a local Italian boy, Tony (Emory Cohen)
Her life changes completely with her new found love, and everything is looking up for her, she even begins to love her new life but her past quickly catches up with her when she has some devastating news, which means she needs to leave Tony to return to Ireland.
Whilst back in Ireland, she meets the kind Jim (well he’s a lot kinder than Star Wars: The Force Awakens General Hux, which was the last role we saw Domhnall Gleeson portray =)
Eilis is also offered a new job, with more responsibility than the shop assistant role she has back in Brooklyn. It certainly feels that she has some tough choices ahead of her with guilt seemingly placed on her to stay in Ireland. We won’t tell you what she decides as we urge you to watch this film.
It is a great film about following your heart and making choices, that would stand up had it been set up in a modern day setting, never mind the 1950’s.
The cast all put in great performances, even those with minor roles such as Jim Broadbent who plays Father Flood in Brooklyn, Emma Lowe as Mrs Brady and as Eilis supervisor in Brooklyn is Jessica Pare from TV’s Mad Men and Hot Tub Time Machine as Miss Fortini.
With a run time of just under 2 hours, I thought this film would drag but time flew by. This is a wonderful period drama, worthy of all the plaudits its received and I am glad to have been able to watch this film thanks to Mrs BMAF choosing it =)
We are also excited to hear that a spin off TV drama is to follow, featuring Julie Walters character (Source: Variety )
Have you seen Brooklyn? Did you enjoy it? Have you ever seen a film which you did not think you would like but ended up really enjoying?
We’d love to hear from you here at Barking Mad About Films.
Brooklyn is available to buy from Amazon here: http://amzn.to/21DEFcN
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