In America

  Plot Summary

Johnny (Paddy Considine), his wife Sarah (Samantha Morton), and their two daughters, Christy (Sarah Bolger) and Ariel (Emma Bolger), enter America illegally. The youngest member of the family, a 2 year old boy, Frankie, has recently died. The Irish family struggle as they try to settle in Manhattan. Living in an apartment in a rundown building in a sleazy neighbourhood is difficult. Johnny goes from one acting audition to the next without success while Sarah works hard at supporting Johnny, and trying to make the move an adventure for the girls who find their new environment strange. They make a friend of one of the scariest neighbours, Mateo (Djimon Hounsou). Mateo’s friendship helps the family keep their energy and spirit alive...

1st Review (by Niamh Fox)

This film, dedicated to Frankie Sheridan, is semi-autobiographical of director, Jim Sheridan and the script is written by three members of the family. It is a heart-warming story of each family member's struggle to adapt to a new life in Manhattan, to cope with the loss of the youngest son, and to support each other as a family at the same time. This film doesn't use the usual tricks to twang your heartstrings but instead shows us a family, their beliefs and values, their own world of make-believe.  Through this, we are shown the love within the family and their emotional ups and downs.

Every family creates its own world and it is a joy to be introduced to the family in this way. It is this world of magic and make-believe that makes this film so realistic. The sincere portrayal of each individual’s happiness and anxieties and their interactions sweep us into the reality of their lives. We are shown their intimate moments of happiness, despair, anger, hope and determination.

The acting of the main cast is excellent. Each actor gives an excellent view of how their character perceives the new life in Manhattan. The two daughters, aged 6 and 10, are not token characters but strong members of the main cast and no allowances whatsoever need to be made for these two young actors (sisters in real life too). Mateo’s character portrays an outsider’s view of the family.  He supports the family’s beliefs in terms of values and their fantasy make-believe.

The Bottom Line: This film is a true feel-good movie. It’s the story of a family with good values that struggle through the very difficult circumstances that life throws at them and a very good friend that they make along the way. Rating: 5 Stars.

2nd Review (by Niall Quinn)

This is a "good hearted film" that tells a story of a young family struggling to comes to terms with the grief of the death of the youngest family member. The struggling Irish immigrant story and a family coming to terms with grief might not be original but the story is well handled and while some of the scenes might be a little sentimental and contrived it doesn't become over-sentimental to the point of detracting from the film. It realistically portrays the anger, guilt and despair felt by the family members but there is also courage, support and hope.

As with all films that concentrate on developing characters and portraying their emotions it might be a little slow in parts. There are some funny parts that help to tell what is basically a simple story and keep the interest for the full duration.

The best part of the film is the acting and the way the characters are realistically portrayed. There are strong performance from Samantha Morton and Paddy Considine as the broken-hearted parents. Their emotions are in turmoil after the death of their young son. There is also a solid performance from Djimon Hounsou, as Mateo, who befriends the family in the rundown Manhattan apartment block. However all of them are out-shone by the natural performances of Sarah Bolger and her sister Emma Bolger who play the two young girls, Christy and Ariel. The girls add a lot of humour to the story, especially Ariel, and for young children they are very natural and credible.

The Bottom Line: A simple story that is lifted by the performances of the cast. Rating: 3 Stars.

Premier Movie Reviews 2003

Genre: Drama

Certificate: 12's

Director: Jim Sheridan

~ Main Cast ~

Samantha Morton

Paddy Considine

Djimon Hounsou

Sarah Bolger

Emma Bolger

Juan Hernandez

RATING

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