Based on Colm Toibin’s novel, ‘Brooklyn’ is another lush
romantic saga. Admirers of the Mills and Boon romantic pot-boilers would
find much familiar. Thankfully it isn’t as syrupy with an epic sweep
masking any contrived situations. Chemistry is what’s important which
‘Brooklyn’ has in spades. Whilst the stirring love-lorn weepies of
decades past are gone, what’s in its place isn’t too terrible if one enjoys
watching others ride a romantic maelstrom.
Working in a small Irish town, Eilis (Saoirse Ronan) dreams
of a better life. Sensing this, her sister sends her to America.
Settling in the city of Brooklyn, filled with a large Irish population, Eilis
quickly gains employment and begins a romance with Tony (Emory Cohen).
When a family tragedy occurs, she returns to Ireland where she meets young
farmer Jim (Domhnall Gleeson). Soon her life is torn asunder as she becomes
conflicted between two men who appeal to her ravaged heart.
‘Brooklyn’ is an interesting romantic film in that the
strong love Ellis feels isn’t necessarily for the men but rather for her old
Irish home and her new American one. Torn between the love of her home
country to the new, exciting Brooklyn environs, Ellis has to decide where her
heart lies. The influence of Tony and Jim plays into this as they
represent what she likes about both countries. These elements are very
well handled by director John Crowley who uses the locations to their fullest
potential.
Although some romantic clichés creep in, ‘Brooklyn’ swiftly
settles into its own pattern. With a strong screenplay drawing you into
the situations and solid performances, it moves away from Barbara Cartland
territory with ease. Ronan’s role as Ellis adds authenticity as a young
Irish girl reaching maturity in emotion and skill. You genuinely feel her
character’s initial home-sickness and conflicted thoughts. All of
this is effectively done without over-wrought musical cues with the subtle
score allowing the strong story to shine.
Better than the usual commercial romantic films recently
released ‘Brooklyn’ is worth seeing. Telling an engaging tale without the
bells and whistles of fake emotion, it’s a good entry in an often mawkishly
handled genre.
Rating out of 10: 7
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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