Samir Mehta: “It ruled.”

This is a lovely, quiet, moving film. Principally, it is about Irish immigration in post-World War II America. But it's so moving and poetic that I think it tells the tale of immigrants from anywhere to anywhere. It's a marvelous antidote to the xenophobia that is currently in supply in the public sphere.

Saoirse Ronan gives one of the most compelling and excellent performances I've seen. Her job is hard - to make a movie about a fairly ordinary woman into a great drama. She will likely get nominated for an Oscar but she won't win it. But it's a great role and a great performance.

The best thing I can say about the movie is that it captures the hope and sadness that comes with making any big choice in our life. A choice for love. A choice for a new home. A choice for a new future. These come with great excitement, but also memories of what will not be because of our choice.

− December 28, 2015 • more by Samirlog in or create an account to reply

Scott Hardie: I've heard the same, that this tale is intended to be more universal than specific. I'm a little bit surprised that they didn't call the movie "America." Perhaps that would have been too on-the-nose. − December 30, 2015 • more by Scott

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