Review of Brooklyn (2015) by Joshua S — 01 Feb 2016

Brooklyn features the most uncomplicated narrative in a serious film that I have seen in years. Girl from Ireland immigrates to America. Lives in Brooklyn and falls in love with an Italian boy. Goes back home to Ireland. Meets Irish boy. Likes him. (Kind of.) Must choose between the two. That's it. Someone really burned the midnight oil writing this one.

Alright, I'm being a bit too harsh. Brooklyn is a pleasant, charming, and straightforward yarn that appeals mostly to older audiences and makes no excuses for its deliberate pace and simple structure. (And I do mean older. In my theater there probably wasn't a person other than myself under 50 and it smelled like licorice.) It's helmed entirely by Saoirse Ronan and her presence and affability make the film more than watchable. It bears much in common with An Education, which was another underwhelming, but ultimately likeable period piece nominated for Best Picture that showcased an up-and-coming actress. Said actress and the old-fashioned feel are the reasons to see Brooklyn, if that kind of thing appeals to you. Otherwise give it a pass.