Hot Take: Brooklyn could contend for a Best Picture nomination as it is a wonderfully told albeit melancholy and frequently dreary film about an Irish girl who comes to Brooklyn to make something of herself.

What’s unique about Brooklyn is that it isn’t. We’ve seen period pieces before. And coming of age films. And tales of immigrants struggling to make it in America. And movies set in Brooklyn. And love stories. What’s unique about the film is the way it tells the story, the mood the film captures and the captivating nature of it’s lead character Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan) whose emotional state drives the film as much as the fitting classical score.

The film is pure at heart, simple and timeless. Without a doubt, it’s a movie that will either captivate you or bore you but you won’t be able to deny it’s craftsmanship. The acting, directing and writing are all superb. The time period is spot on and the emotional ups and downs of leaving home, falling in love and fighting the urge to please others while losing yourself in the process are central to the film’s success.

“Spoiler Free” Pros

  • Julie Walters
    There’s a reoccurring scene throughout the movie which the girls of the boarding house where Eilis is staying have dinner with the landlady (Mrs. Kehoe, played by Walters). The scenes are light hearted and comedic but give the film a personality that make it charming. Walters steals almost every scene and even though there’s little buzz, a Best Supporting Actress nod for her contribution would not be shocking.
  • The Emotion
    It’s hard to imagine watching Brooklyn and not feeling something. If so, you might be dead inside. The film invokes emotion unabashedly and doesn’t stop for a second.
  • It’s Purely Old Fashioned
    You hear frequent complaints about how movies are so different today. Here’s an example of one that really isn’t. It’s classically told in a throwback to movies of decades gone by which makes it truly unique.

“Spoiler Free” Cons

  • Maybe It’s A Little Too Emotional?
    Sometimes I found myself filled with profound sadness and I didn’t even know why. The movie really tapped into the emotions but it left the water running a little too long at times.