(Sorry about the lack of image. Technical issues.)

So this is the little Irish indie film that could. A lot of people think this film could get major Oscar buzz, however outside from maybe the costume design, there really isn’t much to say about this film. It’s not god-awful, but it’s not what you would call ‘quality filmmaking.’

Really, the big problem with the movie is the direction. To be fair, John Crowley does not have a whole lot to work with, as the script is not very cinematic. (It’s one of those stories that could have been easily done on stage) But it seems he tries too hard to make his direction noticeable, with such tricks as an over-reliance on close up shots and in one particularly eye-rolling scene, making the gateway into America like entering heaven.

Saoirse Ronan does a good job of making the audience fall in love with her, but in my humble opinion, I wouldn’t nominate her. It’s not a bad performance, it’s just that this year is super jam packed in the Best Actress category. In all honesty, I was more admiring how pretty she was than how good of an actress she was.

The supporting cast all do standard jobs, with props to Emory Cohen and double props to Julie Walters for being funny. (Although the funniest part of the movie was the little kid who was Emory Cohen’s brother. I hope he continues to get work after this.)

If you are into this kind of movie, you’ll probably enjoy it fine. There was nothing truly awful about it. It was a charming enough romance.(Technically it’s a love triangle, but even five-year olds can guess who she’ll end up with at the end.) It’s the kind of film that feels like it’s much older than it really is, so some may seek it out for that very reason. But for me, it’s hardly something to write home about.

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