In America

A new home. A new life. Seen through eyes that see everything

IN AMERICA (15)

D: Jim Sheridan

20th Century Fox (Jim Sheridan & Arthur Lappin)

US/UK/Ireland 2003

105 mins

Drama

W: Jim Sheridan, Naomi Sheridan & Kirsten Sheridan

DP: Declan Quinn

Ed: Naomi Geraghty

Mus: Gavin Friday & Maurice Seezer

Samantha Morton (Sarah), Paddy Considine (Johnny), Sarah Bolger (Christy),Emma Bolger (Ariel), Djimon Hounsou (Mateo)

A genuinely beautiful and movie drama about a family of Irish immigrants struggling to settle in America.

Samantha Morton's hard work in supporting roles previously is rewarded with a strong lead performance, one which earned her a deserved Best Actress Oscar nomination. She plays the matriarch of the struggling family, married to emotionless Paddy Considine and mother to their two girls Christy & Ariel. The two Irish girls who play the children are real-life sisters and their performances are quite excellent for two young actresses, while Djimon Hounsou is also brilliant as their mysterious neighbour who harbours a painful secret. Director/co-writer Jim Sheridan based this film on his own childhood memories and it's a very special film indeed, with flawless performances and some fine music from Gavin Friday & Maurice Seezer.

8/10