Jan. 06, 2005 - 8:50 pm
i think i first heard of this one at the Oscars, but i can't be sure. i just remember hearing that it was very good and never hearing a negative thing about it. i was glad that i finally got my hands on it and sat down to watch it.
it's about an Irish family whose lives often border on the edge of tragedy. they come to America with dreams of the father making it big acting in NYC. his main problem is he can't find a job because he's been keeping his feelings bottled up inside ever since his young son died of a brain tumor a few months before. his two daughters learn to be strong and how to carry the family without much support from their father. in the end everyone ends up having to be strong.
i really enjoyed the story of this film. it's something that really pulls at your heartstrings i guess. everyone does a wonderful job acting for this film, especially Samantha Morton who plays the mother. well, and the daughters are excellent as well.
a good bit of interesting cinematography is brought about in the context of Christy (the oldest daughter's) use of her camcorder. lots of very ephemeral shots of people that have died and happy times in the family's lives.
i also thought it was interesting that the director was often using outside media like the radio, billboards that they passed by, and electric signs to comment on events that were taking place in the story. a creative story and some creative filmmaking. i thoroughly enjoyed it.