Brooklyn

I can honestly say, it takes time for me to sit down and read a book. I usually only read real newspapers, instead of reading them online. But the books i do read have been pretty good, and sometimes you come across something that just felt boring. I used to read novels in my younger years, mostly because my grandfather Ingvar used to give me books for birthday gifts, so i still have a collection. One of the books i have read lately, is a book based on a true story, of a former member of the cult FLDS. The book title is Stolen Innocence by author Elissa Wall. This is a shocking story, how evil their leader Warren Jeffs was, and how he sexually molested many young girls, and abused many members. I bought this book from America, so i do not know if it is published in Europe yet, but i suggest you buy this book, because it is very good. Speaking about books, there are so many great books made into movie adaptation. Have anyone of you read the novel About A Boy from 1998 ? I did read this book, and i also watched the film, based on the book, that came out in 2002. Now, i know it is hard making a film based on a novel, but i feel that directors Paul Weitz and Chris Weitz, managed to capture the feeling of the novel, in a positive way. It is actually the only film i enjoy with Hugh Grant. Do i hate him ? No, but i feel that almost every film he did looked pretty much the same, so About A Boy was definitely different, in a positive way. If you thought he was good in Notting Hill, i suggest you see About A Boy instead. The author of About A Boy, named Nick Hornby, have written 7 novels so far. But that is not all. He was also the screenplay writer of the film Wild, with Reese Witherspoon. Wild is actually one of the best Reese Witherspoon have made so far in her career, so i suggest you see it. Speaking of screenplay, as i was about to watch a film called Brooklyn, i found out that Nick Hornby have also written the screenplay for this film. That got me curious, since i enjoyed Wild. After hearing so much praise about Brooklyn, both from film critics, and audiences, i just had to see if this would be as good as people said. Do we have a surprisingly good film here set back in the 50´s, or is the hype around this film way too big to be true ?

In the year of 1952, Ellis Lacey ( Saoirse Ronan ), is a young woman, living in the irish town Enniscorthy. She is working weekends in a shop, run by the spiteful Miss Kelly ( Brid Brennan ). Elli´s older sister Rose ( Fiona Glascott ) have arranged that Ellis can travel to America, to make herself a good future. The trip does not start well, as she is seasick, including food poisoned. But she manage to get herself together, as she is getting closer to her destination. In New York, Brooklyn, she is set to live in a Irish boarding house, with other young women. Since she is shy, and new, she tries to adjust herself to be appreciated. Ellis manage to get a job at an department store, where she is told to be more social with her customers, by her supervisor Miss Fortini ( Jessica Paré ). Ellis realise that she must try and change her ways, to be more effective with customers. Father Flood ( Jim Broadbent ) visits Ellis, who helped her to get a job. Father Flood is trying to help Ellis get into bookkeeping classes. One night, while going out to dance, Ellis meet Tony ( Emory Cohen ). She is having a great time, and Tony tell her that he is from an italian family. Everything is looking good, where Ellis both manage to have a job, and a new boyfriend. But suddenly tragic news arrive from Ireland. Ellis sister Rose have died from undisclosed illness. Ellis have to return back home, but before she does, she and Tony decides to get married in secret. As Ellis return to her hometown Enniscorthy, she soon understand that no one want her to go back to New York. Her best friend is getting married in a week, so Ellis can not return to New York as she have planned. Also, since her sister died, someone is needed to take her place, and Ellis is asked to be the bookkepper. This is not the way Ellis planned things to go, she wants to go back to New York. But the question is, can she go back and leave everyone behind, since she is needed ?

I am very pleased to say, that i am beginning this new year, with a film that deliver really great acting on a level like Brooklyn delivers. In fact, there are not many films i have seen lately, where the main actor simply blows you away with the acting performance. And this is why i am so happy to say, that Saoirse Ronan is magnificent as the young woman Ellis Lacey. To be honest i am a bit shocked still, because i remember her performance in The Host, and this is on a completely different level of acting. And i am very pleased that she have worked really hard on this film, because you can tell that it must have been a big challenge. Now, to enjoy a film like Brooklyn, you need to understand that this is not an ordinary release. This is a very intelligent film, that tries to capture the time period of the 50´s, in a very well made way. We know that a lot of people moved from Europe, to start a new life in America, and this is a part of the story behind Brooklyn, about taking chances. Ellis irish accent, and her personality, is someone you have to love, from the first moment you meet her back in Ireland. The story, about this young girl, starting a new life in America, is both funny, heart warming and there are of course some sadness to go along. The biggest strength of Brooklyn is without a doubt the acting. There are many really good performances, especially from Julia Waters , Brid Bennan, Jim Boradbent, and many others. I will say that this film feels much stronger, thanks to the wonderful characters, and there are plenty of them. But the most unique character is of course Ellis, and i am so happy that Saoirse Ronan gave us this wonderful performance. Director John Crowley have directed several films, but one of them is actually on my list of favourite films. Have you heard of the film Boy A ? If you have not seen it, you must buy it. It is a very sad and emotional look at a young mans life, who lives hidden, because he and a friend killed a child in their childhood. The best performance i have ever seen Andrew Garfield do as an actor. Now, his latest film Brooklyn is also emotional, but on a much more simple level than Boy A. I would say that director John Crowley once again proves that he knows how to make interesting stories. The costume design is wonderful also, you will notice that. This is a film about growing up, taking chances in life, and take on challenges, even how hard the sitiation is. I just read that Brooklyn is nominated for 3 Academy Awards this year, i wish everyone who worked on this film good luck. I would not be surprised if Brooklyn win at least one award.

Rating: DDDD