Review of Brooklyn (2015) by Jon P — 27 Jan 2016

Brooklyn presents the viewer with a small story about small people; afraid neither of its clean-cut melodrama nor its cheery sentimentality. The structure harks back to the days of old Hollywood, offering exactly what the modern box office is so increasingly lacking in the age of the big heavyweight drama and the superhero sequel.

Directed by John Crowley and scripted by Nick Hornby; the latter a guy who knows a good thing or two about characters and relationships, the film touches on a few home truths for any young heart or lost soul who's ever been torn between two worlds. Whether running away or returning home, Saorise Ronan is superb as the southeastern Irish belle plagued by intimacy yet warmed by family.

Brooklyn is a small, self-aware adventure certain of exactly what it is and what it wants to say. If you're able to accept the film as it stands and allow yourself to go with it, you'll find yourself rooting for its lead and lost in its world.