In America

Review by Clint Morris

In an industry preoccupied with one-upping each other with paramount computer effects, as many ‘A list’ faces as they can fit in a frame and wanna-be platinum soundtracks, it’s refreshing to find that In America offers none of the above.

In fact, the latest from acclaimed director Jim Sheridan is solid storytelling - no more, no less.

No computer-generated Hulk Dogs, no Limp Bizkit soundtrack, no plucky teen cast. Just a memorable tale, with a minute group of excellent performances. Amazing to think they still exist...

Loosely based on the director’s own life experiences, America centres on an Irish family who immigrate illegally from Canada to America, in the hope that they’ll leave behind poverty and discover something more elevating.

Naturally, things aren’t as easy as that: as we see when the best accommodation the family can get is a oxidized room in an apartment block where drug pushers frequent, and Dad’s best job offer is from a Taxi company.

On top of that, the family is still trying to get over the loss of their infant, Franky, who died from a brain tumour.

A remarkable, highly stirring feature that never transcends into anything less than a gripping look at a hard-up family, In America is a tour-de-force for not only director Sheridan – who captures such inopportune experiences finely, thanks to an excellent screenplay he wrote with his own two daughters – but for the cast.

Samantha Morton, looking ever so the part of an unpretentious, pitiable housewife, is outstanding in her role as the temperate, but cautious mother, with newcomer Patty Considine's performance as father Johnny border lining on brilliant -- an emotional turn of which we haven’t seen the likes of in quite some time.

Possibly even better then their elder counterparts are acting sisters, Emma and Sarah Bolger. They’re simply sublime. Older than their young years, the girls paint stirring, memorable portraits of two young girls, who are almost the glue that’s holding their increasingly deteriorating family together.

One of the more recognisable members of the largely fresh-faced cast, Djimon Hounsou, also gives a tender, terrific performance, playing family neighbour, Mateo, a gentle-giant who forms an improbable bond with the two inquisitive young girls.

If you only see one movie this year, make sure it’s something as sweet, as memorable and as moving as the excellent In America.

One of the best films of the year.

4.5 out of 5

In America
Australian release: Thursday January 29th
Cast: Paddy Considine, Samantha Morton, Sarah Bolger, Emma Bolger Djimon Hounsou.
Director: Jim Sheridan.
Website: Click here.