Brooklyn (2015)

Set in 1952, a young Irish girl (Saoirse Ronan) dissatisfied with her lot in life in Ireland emigrates to the U.S. Terribly homesick at first, she slowly comes to accept her new life in America especially when she falls in love with an Italian boy (the adorable Emory Cohen). But a family tragedy requires her to return to Ireland. Based on the novel by Colm Toibin and directed by John Crowley, this is a lovely film. The subject of immigrants seems to be topical at this time and the film does a superb job of recreating the emigrant experience. And one doesn't have to have moved from a different country to feel homesick or to question what is "home"? Just moving from one state to another or even one metropolis to another can bring up emotions and feelings. The film shifts tone halfway through the film and Ronan's character becomes (at least to me) somewhat unsympathetic. But she's superb and moves to the front of the line in this year's best actress Oscar category. A genuine emotional experience. Go, you won't regret it. With Jim Broadbent, Domhnall Gleeson and in a scene stealing performance, Julie Walters.