Brooklyn

About Brooklyn

Brooklyn is a 2015 romantic historical drama film directed by John Crowley and written by Nick Hornby, based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Colm Tóibín. The film tells the story of Eilis Lacey, a young Irish girl who emigrates to Brooklyn, New York, where she falls in love. When her past catches up with her, however, she must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within.

Making / Production

The film was shot in Ireland and Montreal, Quebec, replicating the setting of 1950s Brooklyn. The production meticulously recreated the era through costumes, sets and props.

Actors

• Saoirse Ronan as Eilis Lacey: Ronan makes a powerful Oscar-nominated performance as Eilis, who finds herself torn between her old life in Ireland and her new one in America.
• Emory Cohen as Tony Fiorello: Cohen delivers an earnest and charming performance as Eilis' Italian-American suitor in Brooklyn.
• Domhnall Gleeson as Jim Farrell: Gleeson portrays Eilis' love interest in Ireland, complicating her feelings of where home truly is.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is based on Colm Tóibín's novel Brooklyn, published in 2009.
• Director John Crowley previously directed the film adaptation of Colm Tóibín's short story "A Priest in the House."
• Saoirse Ronan was actually born in The Bronx, New York and lived there for the first three years of her life before moving to Ireland.

Awards

The film garnered three nominations at the 88th Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Actress for Ronan, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It also received nominations for Best British Film and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 69th British Academy Film Awards.

Quotes

• "You have to think like an American. You'll feel so homesick that you'll want to die, and there's nothing you can do about it apart from endure it. But you will, and it won't kill you." — Saoirse Ronan as Eilis Lacey
• "I'd forgotten just how beautiful it is around here. Maybe it's not just the nostalgia. Maybe it's not Ireland. Maybe it's just you." — Domhnall Gleeson as Jim Farrell

Music, Soundtrack

• "Secret Love" by Dana Valery
• "Castle Finn" by Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh and Fiachna Ó Mongáin
• "Five, Ten, Fifteen Hours" by Ruth Brown