Review of Brooklyn (2015) by Kevin M. W — 21 Feb 2016

Someone once told me that people who love a book shouldn't expect the movie of that book to tell the same story: the movie simply inspires the book, after which the director and his assistants create a whole new beast. Nevertheless, 'Brooklyn' inspires the same emotional connection as the book, and does so beautifully. I was absorbed by this film from start to finish.

Let's start with Nick Hornby's screenplay, which never labours a point but doesn't skip important points either (while making adjustments where necessary for a movie as per my opening point). Hornby must be becoming a go-to screenwriter because the quality of his work is outstanding. (His last film was the excellent 'Wild'). The cinematography and (by Yves Bélanger, who also worked on 'Wild') and design here is gorgeous too.

But the shining star of the film is Sioarse Ronan who is spellbinding. Her performance perfectly captures the gradual development of her character from shy Irish emigrant to confident American immigrant. Reckon we're going to see a lot more of Ronan in the coming years. Great support from Emory Cohen as Tony, who was really well cast, and the always-entertaining Julie Walters, amongst others.

Best film I've seen for quite a while.