Review of In America (2003) by Mugino S — 17 Jan 2009
Simply one of the best films of this decade. I've seen it many times now and it never loses it's touching magnificence. Jim Sheridan has created a terrific story of how an Irish family moves and adjusts to life in New York City while dealing with the tragic loss of of one of their own.
The cast is simply wonderful here. Paddy Considine and Samantha Morton are great as the parents struggling to make a new living while dealing with blame and turmoil in their relationship. And Sarah and Emma Bolger are just perfect as the to daughters in the family.
Sarah in particular really holds the film together, mainly as the narrator of the story. But Djimon Hounsou gives perhaps the films most devastatingly powerful performance as a mysterious neighbor with a dark secret.
It's when his secret is revealed about half way through the film where the story takes an impactful turn. It's a phenomenal scene. But the thing is, this film has so many breathtaking scenes, some emotionally uplifting and others just plain hard to watch.
This is a film of devastating truth. And when the film is finally over, it is hard not to love this family and root for them for the rest of their lives.
This review of In America (2003) was written by Mugino S on 17 Jan 2009.
In America has generally received very positive reviews.
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