If you are looking for the traditional story of immigrants working hard to find unlimited opportunity in the land of the free, "In America" is not the film for you. However, in its own way, director/screenwriter Jim Sheridan's ("In the Name of the Father" and "My Left Foot") own life story shows a more real, personal side of both the glory and pain of an immigrant family's struggle to build a new life in America. Excellent artistic craftsmanship, topnotch writing and a powerful story make up for the somewhat meandering path of this critically acclaimed true tale.
After losing their son Frankie (Ciaran Cronin) to cancer, a young Irish couple, Sarah (Samantha Morton, Agatha from "Minority Report") and Johnny (Paddy Considine of "24-Hour Party People") smuggle themselves into the United States with their two remaining children, Ariel and Christy (real-life sisters Emma and Sarah Bolger). Penniless and wracked with guilt and sorrow over Frankie's death, the family nonetheless manages to survive paycheck to paycheck. The family is no pinnacle of virtue: a confused mother has trouble nurturing the children and a repressed and dilettantish father struggles to provide for his family emotionally and financially. Despite this, the story teaches us numerous subtle lessons: We can learn much from the young; we must face our deepest hurt to overcome it; friends and enemies lurk in both likely and unlikely places; and love can help us survive nearly anything.
The great beauty of the film is in the realism both in the abstract and the particular. Quirky events are fantastic and at the same time believable. Cinematography by Declan Quinn ("Monsoon Wedding" and "Leaving Las Vegas") is captivating and draws the audience into the unusual texture of this film. The writing is simultaneously wondrous and palpably true, impressive for the work of Jim Sheridan's two girls, first-time-writers Naomi and Kirsten, with a little help from their accomplished father. Acting by the Bolger sisters is especially impressive for their age, though Considine and Morton (despite her Oscar nod) give relatively flat performances. Probably the most fascinating character and preformance in the film is Mateo (Djimon Hounsou of "The Four Feathers" and "Gladiator"), a troubled and dying African man living in their building whom the girls befriend.
On the whole, this film has a deep emotional power. However, its lack of focus, clarity and deep insight stop it from reaching the heights of a truly brilliant picture. It is worth watching, though, and is probably one of the better films of the year — the Academy, which rewarded it with three nods including Best Original Screenplay, certainly thought so.
Read More
Princeton Zoning Board of Adjustment approves renovations to Tower and Charter Clubs
Sena Chang and Isaac BernsteinOn March 27, the Municipality of Princeton’s Zoning Board of Adjustment approved construction developments for Tower Club and Charter Club. Renovations for both clubs are aimed towards improving accessibility.
On March 27, the Municipality of Princeton’s Zoning Board of Adjustment approved construction developments for Tower Club and Charter Club. Renovations for both clubs are aimed towards improving accessibility.
Students support local businesses with new platform Zage
Jack AllenAfter hearing about the struggles faced by a number of these restaurants after students left campus in mid-March, Dilbagi created Zage, an online platform that allows community members to send money to local businesses now to redeem as credits on their purchases in the future.
This fall, go beyond the 'Bubble'
Dora ZhaoEven though classes are picking up, weekends are the perfect time for students to escape the Orange Bubble. While going out to eat on Nassau is enjoyable, there is so much to see beyond Princeton. For those looking for a day trip or a chance to explore the area outside of Princeton, here is a list of ideas to do this fall.