I had little knowledge about this movie before I saw it earlier tonight . I knew it was nominated for Oscars and received some critical acclaim but apart from being well acted I'm at something of a loss to understand its popularity and high rating on this site
The problem is that the film lacks any real drama . A family sneaks into America and throughout the running time I was expecting bad things to happen . To be truthful I thought I'd be watching something similar to ANGELA'S ASHES where a family trying to start a new life find heart breaking obstacles at every turn . The Irish family seen here do find obstacles but nothing that will destroy their faith in human nature . We see the children befriending a black man who isn't a danger to them etc and because of these charming relationships you find yourself hoping that destiny deals these characters a bad hand if only because that would make for a more dramatic and involving film
Certainly this is a film I would recommend for people who appreciate good acting . I don't have to tell everyone that Samantha Morton is the best actress Britain has produced in many years but I'll repeat anyway while Paddy Considine shows what a fine character actor he is . I just wish the story had been a bit more dramatic in order to hold this commentator's attention just a little bit more
The problem is that the film lacks any real drama . A family sneaks into America and throughout the running time I was expecting bad things to happen . To be truthful I thought I'd be watching something similar to ANGELA'S ASHES where a family trying to start a new life find heart breaking obstacles at every turn . The Irish family seen here do find obstacles but nothing that will destroy their faith in human nature . We see the children befriending a black man who isn't a danger to them etc and because of these charming relationships you find yourself hoping that destiny deals these characters a bad hand if only because that would make for a more dramatic and involving film
Certainly this is a film I would recommend for people who appreciate good acting . I don't have to tell everyone that Samantha Morton is the best actress Britain has produced in many years but I'll repeat anyway while Paddy Considine shows what a fine character actor he is . I just wish the story had been a bit more dramatic in order to hold this commentator's attention just a little bit more