Brooklyn review

Based on a novel by Colm Toibin, Brooklyn charts the journey of a young Irish woman called Eilis (Saoirse Ronan) from her native Enniscorthy to the big streets of Brooklyn, New York. Once there, Eilis suffers from homesickness and struggles to adjust to the fast-paced Brooklynite lifestyle. Her happiness changes for the better, however, when she meets a charming Italian-American man called Tony (Emory Cohen) at a local dance. As their relationship blooms, though, Eilis receives tragic news from Ireland. This forces her to travel back to Enniscorthy and once there she finds her feelings tested by the advances of eligible bachelor Jim (Domhnall Gleeson).

Brooklyn works well on multiple levels. On one end it explores some interesting areas such as the nature of home and the experiences of young migrants coming to America. On the other it contains a touching and unforced love story.

All of this is anchored by some strong performances from its cast with Saoirse Ronan and Emory Cohen giving endearing turns as Eilis and Tony. Also worth mentioning is Julie Walters who appears in a scene-stealing role as Eilis’s landlady Madge Kehoe, a woman whose opinions cover everything from the sinful nature of giddiness to the complexions of her tenants. 

A solid script from Nick Hornby also keeps things ticking along and is complemented by some good directorial work from John Crowley.

Although it doesn't quite reach the heights of other period dramas such as Atonement, Brooklyn still manages to be both beautiful and moving. 

Star Rating: 4/5