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The race to the Oscars begins for Brooklyn Brooklyn, a stunning performance-driven coming of age tale, is the most acclaimed must-see period drama of 2015. Clodagh Dooley looks at how the touching and poignant film brilliantly explores the heartbreak of torn relationships initiated by immigration in the 1950s, and is set to catch the eyes of the Academy - The race to The Oscars starts here…
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ased on the award-winning novel by Colm Tóibín, Brooklyn is anchored by an outstanding performance from Irish-American actress, Saoirse Ronan. Saoirse plays Eilis, a young Irish woman, who emigrates from a small town in Ireland to Brooklyn, New York. Unlike home, in Brooklyn she has the opportunity for work, a future - and love, in the form of Italian-American Tony (Emory Cohen). When a family tragedy brings her back to Ireland, she finds herself absorbed into her old community. However, now she has eligible Jim, played by Domhnall Gleeson, courting her. As she repeatedly postpones her return to America, Eilis finds herself faced with a terrible dilemma - a heartbreaking choice between two men and two countries. Directed by Irish-native John Crowley, the man behind BAFTA-winning drama Boy A, and scripted by Nick Hornby, the film brings Tóibín’s delicately constructed, emotional best-selling novel to life. Having moved from Ireland to England, Crowley’s understanding of that longing to be in two places at once creates a truthful and
heart-warming cinematic representation which is set to tug on the heartstrings of even the most hardened film-viewer. Meanwhile Nick Hornby, who wrote the novel of renowned drama About A Boy and the script for High Fidelity, beautifully captures the spirit of Ireland and the Irish people during a time when opportunities were scarce and people had no choice but to emigrate for employment. EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS Despite the film’s timeframe differing from today’s, many young women are still faced with the daunting choice to emigrate, whether it is due to economic migration or personal choice. Brooklyn will resonate with both the older and younger generation – those who have already experienced the vulnerability and uncertainty of growing up and moving away, and those who are on the brink of entering womanhood. It’s about a young woman finding her voice and the ability to make her own choices. What makes Brooklyn so acclaimed is its tremendous casting, as each actor has an outstanding ability to translate the emotion of the novel to the big screen. Ronan, who has a strong connection
Main: Emory Cohen as Tony and Saoirse Ronan as Eilis in Brooklyn. Above: Domhnall Gleeson as Jim Farrell and Saoirse Ronan as Eilis to both Ireland and America, gives an intense and empathic performance in her first leading role as an adult. This marks the part where she breaks free from the ‘teenage actress’ label. Ronan’s love interests, New York city-born Emory Cohen, and Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson, both shine in their roles of Tony and Jim respectively as they attempt to win over the heart of young Eilis. Backing up the leading actors is a stellar supporting cast, which includes veteran British actors, Oscar® winner Jim Broadbent and Oscar® nominee Julie Walters. HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS The choice that Eilis has to make between Tony and Jim, and Brooklyn and Ireland is the cornerstone of the film. Everyone will read the story in their own way and respond differently to her decision, but
this conflict was one that producers, Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey, knew would form the dramatic heart of the film. When you make a choice between two countries or between two men, loved ones will get left behind. Will Eilis be brave and return to New York or is Ireland truly where her heart lies? Brooklyn delivers one of the most touching and heart-warming immigrant stories ever told, as well as stand-out performances from a stellar cast. Ranging from hilarious moments to teary-eyed and heartfelt scenes, the expressive impact of the characters remains strong throughout. Hornby and Crowley have combined to make Eilis’ experience our own. Brooklyn will have you emotionally invested from beginning to end. Brooklyn opens in Irish and UK cinemas on November 6th 2015