‘In America’ is truly captivating

ANDREW NGUYEN

George C. Scott once said that “the human spirit is stronger than

anything that can happen to it.” The new film, “In America,”

exemplifies this idea of the human spirit beautifully, leaving

audiences with a lump in their throat and an appreciation of life

over material values.

Director Jim Sheridan, who co-wrote the script with his daughters

Naomi and Kirsten Sheridan, masterfully tells a tale of an immigrant

father, mother and two daughters struggling to cope with the death of

a son, amid a backdrop that symbolizes the American dream, New York

City. Paddy Considine and Samantha Morton play Johnny and Sarah, two

young parents who accompany their daughters Christy and Ariel (Sarah

and Emma Bolger) to America from Ireland.

Once there, the family moves into a decrepit building housed by

numerous murky patrons, including a downstairs neighbor named Mateo,

wonderfully played by Djimon Hounsou. As the seasons pass, the family

encounters joy and sadness, but the death of their son, Frankie,

continues to linger in their minds.

Besides truly captivating performances by everyone in this film

(including the two girls), there are so many memorable scenes. When

the father lugs an air conditioner through the streets, for example,

Sheridan doesn’t ruin the scene with forced sappiness or melodrama.

Instead, there’s a lightheartedness to this scene, with upbeat music

and laughs. What’s more, the way Sheridan treats this scene is

representative of how the other scenes are shot and edited as

well--without wallowing self-pity, perhaps reflecting how Sheridan

views his own early experience of moving to America (like the family

in the film).

The symbolism in this film is also noteworthy, appearing quite

subtly, but nevertheless speaking volumes about the life of an

immigrant in a strange land. From the children’s Halloween costumes

to the way Christy (who narrates her family’s journey) carries the

memory of her dead brother, there is an abundance of symbols

signifying cultural identity and assimilation.

Above all, “In America” satisfies that simple message that

everyone seems to be yearning for this holiday season, that message

about hope. Despite a lack of money and health, the characters in

this film personify the meaning of hope, which is all the more

merrier considering what they must endure.

There’s definitely a bevy of Oscar-worthy films playing at

theaters this holiday season. But even if you think you’ve already

seen this year’s best movies, there’s definitely room for “In

America” this Christmas. It’s sure to be the best stocking stuffer

you didn’t expect.

* ANDREW NGUYEN is a freelance writer from Costa Mesa.