Brooklyn, the 2015 romantic period drama directed by John Crowley, is being recommended as a must-watch for fans of the genre, with viewers describing it as a 'standout' film that is 'emotionally satisfying' and 'truly lovely'.
The film, which has a screenplay by Nick Hornby, is based on Colm Tóibín's 2009 novel of the same name. It stars Saoirse Ronan in the lead role, alongside Emory Cohen and Domhnall Gleeson, with supporting performances from Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters, Jessica Paré, Eve Macklin, Bríd Brennan, and Jenn Murray.
A Story of Love and Choice
The official plot reads: “An Irish immigrant lands in 1950s Brooklyn, where she quickly falls into a romance with a local. When her past catches up with her, however, she must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within.”
Brooklyn was released in theatres to critical acclaim and received nominations for three Oscars: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actress for Ronan. The Irish actress also earned Best Actress nominations at the BAFTAs, the Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the Critics' Choice Awards.
Critical and Audience Praise
The film holds a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One critic said: “A turn to the past in order to rationalize the present, Brooklyn is a standout example of the forceful, empathetic tempest that cinema is capable of delivering to an audience.”
Another reviewer shared: “I'm a sucker for a good romance. I'm an even bigger sucker when it's rooted in rich themes and concepts that shine throughout the film. Brooklyn's main romance is palpable and breathtakingly beautiful but it's also cemented in something else.”
One critic stated: “In short, Brooklyn is one of the very best films of the past decade and worth looking back on.” Another wrote: “There are no real words to describe how moving and emotionally satisfying this story is.”
Viewer Reactions
Audiences have been equally impressed. One viewer wrote: “Beautiful classic in every sense of the word. Outstanding performances. Atmospheric joy. Don't miss it.” Another fan said: “A beautiful depiction of the bittersweet pull of belonging, told with much elegance, where the final result is an evocative period piece that is both satisfying and pulls at the heartstrings.”
Yet another viewer commented: “This is a simple yet beautiful, elegant and poignant film. It makes you want to cry and smile simultaneously. For a moment it rescued my lost faith that life may still be worth living in spite of all its twists and turns.”
One fan added: “Exquisite. Two-time Academy Award Nominee Saoirse Ronan is as extraordinary as she is beautiful in Brooklyn. The cast here maybe mostly unrecognisable but is superb. It's about family, respect, hard work, the things we love, ambition and most of all romantic love. It is a treasure trove of a movie about the things we value most in life. It's perfect for a Sunday afternoon and brings enchantment. If only there were more movies like this one.”
Brooklyn is currently available to stream on Netflix.
