But even if you’re not doing your yearly Oscar Pool this year because #oscarssowhite makes you feel sad, you can still grab a bestie and head to the good theater (the one that sells wine and fried ravioli) and go see Brooklyn. Because it’s perfect.
The Screenplay
I don’t know if I’ve talked about him enough on That’s Normal to make this clear, but Nick Hornby is one of my all time favorites. His books are smart, hilarious and heartfelt. He’s a keen observationist on relationships and love, tragedy and humor. And since I didn’t read Brooklyn the novel, I want to gush about Brooklyn the screenplay.
I don’t think I’ve ever considered the emigration that took place after WWII, and how much of it would have been single people leaving their entire families and support groups behind. Watching Eilis leave her sister and mother on the dockside, knowing full well that they will very likely NEVER seen one another again really broke my heart. I have two daughters, and I have a sister. I don’t think I would ever have the strength to say goodbye to any of them, possibly forever.
But Nick Hornby is nothing without heart. This movie is peppered with humor, drama and real life choices that break you in more ways than one. SO good.
Seasickness, Spaghetti and Swimming Costumes
Unforgettable and iconic scenes show up in this movie when you least expect them. Scenes you will definitely remember the next time you see a movie with a steam ship in it. Or when you watch an Italian family at dinner. Or when it’s time to go bikini shopping and you haven’t seen Val, your aesthetician yet. In a movie with a good amount of heartache, these moments really shined.
The Supporting Cast
I could very easily just start listing the supporting cast in this movie and I wouldn’t have to say anything else. Jim Broadbent. Julie Walters. Domnhall Gleeson. They are all seriously fantastic.
My favorite has to be Emory Cohen though. I hadn’t paid a lot of attention to the premise of this movie before I saw it, so when Tony comes on the scene, I didn’t know if he was going to be jerk, a sweetie, a villain or a hero. It didn’t matter that I didn’t have a clue. Emory plays Tony with this sweet, pink-cheeked, pigeon-footed timidity and quiet strength that is SO DAMN ATTRACTIVE that you won’t even mind his 50’s era over the navel high waisted pants with the 24 inch zipper. He’s THAT cute*.
*cute in the movie: Warning … do not go looking up pictures of Emory Cohen online. He’s cute, but candid shots of him IRL do not do Tony’s adorableness justice. I don’t want his current caesar cut and The Buckle-inspired wardrobe to put you off our poor Italian plumber.
Saoirse Ronan
This girl deserves all the praise for this movie. She is in almost every scene, and you watch her truly grow from sad-eyed, unsure immigrant, homesick and afraid, to strong and resilient, funny and fearless as she navigates the very adult decisions of choosing how you want your life to be. I was riveted to her face and totally related to her struggle.
