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In America [2003]
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In America is splendidly acted throughout--of particular note are the two girls, real-life sisters whose on-screen charisma is clearly a family trait. But it's Morton who anchors the movie; her every emotion seems to glow from her skin. The commitment of the actors keeps the movie compelling, despite some dangerously sentimental patches. --Bret Fetzer DVD Technical Information:
RRP: £15.99
Our Price: £2.71 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
In America stars the incandescent Samantha Morton and Paddy Considine as two young Irish parents who have lost their only son. Trying to run away from their grief, they move (illegally) to a junkie-infested apartment building in New York City with their two daughters, Christy (Sarah Bolger) and Ariel (Emma Bolger). Though they struggle with meagre jobs and suffocatingly hot weather, a friendship with an artist in an apartment below them (Djimon Hounsou) becomes a catalyst that allows them to rebuild their family.
Editorial
Special Features
Editorial
Synopsis
Jim Sheridan's autobiographical film, IN AMERICA, begins as Irish immigrants Johnny (Paddy Considine, ROOM FOR ROMEO BRASS), his wife Sarah (Samantha Morton, SWEET & LOWDOWN), and their two daughters drive their wood-panelled station wagon across the Canadian border and into the United States. As they enter New York City at night, 10-year-old Christy (Emma Bolger) records the lights, skyscrapers, and general excitement on her camcorder. Her little sister Ariel (Sarah Bolger) coos at all there is to see, and the whole family is filled with new hope. With no money to live on, they settle into the top floor of a tenement block inhabited by transvestites and drug addicts. The dilapidated building is at first intimidating, but with a little redecorating and a change of perspective, the family turns it into a bohemian paradise. While Johnny goes to auditions, trying to get his break as an actor, Sarah works at the ice cream shop down the street and the girls go to Catholic school. A budding friendship with their ominous neighbour, Mateo (Djimon Hounsou), brings a much-needed spirituality to the family's happy but difficult struggle to survive.
A beautiful and touching film about the risks that families take striving for a colourful, successful, happy life, IN AMERICA is above all a tribute to New York City in all its glory: its diversity of people and opportunity, its violence and grit, and its sometimes overwhelming energy.
Too sentimental
Review date: 2008-08-10 Rating: 6 out of 10
Although this is really well acted by all the cast, I just found this film tipped over the edge into sentimentality. Actually, it was almost fairy-tale like with the two cute girls & the way they make fast work of befriending the local residents in a junkie-infested building/area of Manhattan. I should have guessed when the US border guard was won over by the younger girl's cuteness factor right at the start of the movie. Gimme a break!
If you're looking for grittiness (which I thought I was gonna get from this) then look elsewhere. But if you're a sentimental type, then this could well be up your street.
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Reviews
In America
Review date: 2008-08-02 Rating: 8 out of 10
'In America' is a poignant film about an Irish family trying to survive in new york after the death of their young baby boy. The cast play their roles to perfection and Sam Morton excels as a mother trying to hold her family together. Paddy Considine is completely authentic as the father who fights to support his family, whilst fighting his own grief at the same time. The two delightful actresses who play his daughters (sisters in real life) are a joy to watch and are incredibly natural and unaffected in front of the camera. This film follows the family as they rebuild their lives and make friends with their artist neighbour who lives downstairs (played excellently by Djimon Hounsou) and it is wonderful to see the young siblings playing joyfully amidst the turmoil of their homelife, seemingly oblivious to the struggles the family has to endure. This is a touching film and one that will stay with you after you've watched it and it can easily be viewed again and again. Well worth a look.
Moving
Review date: 2008-07-20 Rating: 8 out of 10
A moving, even if the story seems rather slight, semi-autobiographical film with outstanding performances from the two young girls who act with naturalism and real charm.
A life reaffirming moment
Review date: 2008-06-10 Rating: 10 out of 10
Wow! I've wanted to see this film since it came out a few years ago but something always held me back from watching it. I then got it a few months ago on DVD but for the first time ever, rather than rushing home to watch it sat on my shelf until today. Deep down I knew what this film was going to do to me so I held off and held off.
What did I think it was going to do and did? Knock me off my feet and turn me into a blubbering wreck that's what. If anything, I'm still shaken by the immense impact this film has had on me.
Enough has been said about the premise, the acting, the setting and even some of the scenes so I won't repeat any of that. All I can say is that this film is one of those rare occasions that actually makes you feel glad to be alive, to see the good amongst the many awful things that happen or can happen around us, to us, to our friends, family and loved ones.
A wonderful, wonderful film. Anyone with a heart, as you can see, agrees and will agree. Now, where's that box of tissues? I have some more crying to do but don't tell anyone......
amazing!
Review date: 2008-03-16 Rating: 10 out of 10
This movie is amazing. I am not exaggerating! It is so beautifully shot, well written and everyone in the film can actually act! The younger sister who plays Ariel (she's on the cover) is so adorable (physically and mentally).
It is about an Irish family (Mum, Dad, two girls) who are moving to New York as a fresh start, because they have lost their son Frankie about a year before. They live in a rough area in the top apartment of a really old apartment block and the Dad tries to make it as an actor to support the family. In the old building where they live they make friends with a lonely man who avoids everyone and takes out his anger in his art (he also has an illness that is wearing him down) but the children see through him and he becomes friends with them. The mother becomes expectant with another child. The doctor tells her that it would be wise to abort it early, as it will be a dangerous pregnancy. She decides against the doctor's concerns and continues with the pregnancy. Through the pregnancy she has to overcome Frankie's death. I won't say anything more! you will have to watch it!
It is so heart-warming (i shed a few tears at the end). It has sad moments, but it all comes together at the end.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Emma Bolger
Sarah Bolger
Paddy Considine
Neal Jones
Samantha Morton
Creators:
Paddy Considine (Primary Contributor)
Samantha Morton (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
EAN: 5039036015783
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 2004-03-15
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 101 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2003-12-11
Language: English (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired)
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: Spanish (Original Language)