Review of Brooklyn (2015) by Fungusgnat — 24 Feb 2016

“A department store salesgirl in the New York of the early 1950s . . .” I would not have thought that I could borrow this opening from my review of "Carol" and apply it to another movie released in November 2015, but these words apply to "Brooklyn" as well; also, both are passionately realized and believable love stories, and both focus on a young woman’s coming of age through romantic love.

A big difference, of course, is that the object of our heroine’s attraction in "Brooklyn" is a young man, and from there, the two films deal in different social impediments and supports. In fact, "Brooklyn" tells a story that is remarkably free of impediments.

That is not to say that it is free of conflict or drama. Eilis (pron. AY-lish) must make choices, but the film builds so much faith in her good sense that it seems almost inevitable that she will find some reward.

The result is a movie of surpassing sweetness and lasting impressions, where Brook’s contribution (music) and Bélanger’s (images) are as important as the plot. I could easily call this the year’s best movie.

(And, my valuation of the plot notwithstanding, I see that this film shares its screenwriter (and its DP) with "Wild," my pick for best pic last year.