It would have been so easy for "In America" to go the expected route, for the filmmakers to simply push the right emotional buttons in an attempt to wring as many cheap tears as possible from the audience. It's refreshing that nearly all the tears here have been well-earned, with material that feels all too real, all too vivid and all the more moving as a result.
The film is clearly a labor of love. Not only is it loosely based on the experiences of its director, Jim Sheridan, but the screenplay was co-written by Sheridan and his daughters, Naomi and Kirsten, who lived through some of these events.
"In America" follows a young Irish family that has recently immigrated to America — by coming through Canada. Patriarch Johnny (Paddy Considine) is an aspiring actor hoping to get his break in the New York theater scene. In the meantime, he and his wife, Sarah (Samantha Morton), have had to take low-paying jobs (as a cab driver and waitress, respectively) just to clothe and feed their two young daughters, Christy and Ariel (Sarah and Emma Bolger).
They're not having an easy time. In fact, they're all haunted by a past tragedy. The only person who may be able to help is Mateo (Djimon Hounsou), a seemingly intimidating artist who lives downstairs and who understands emotional pain all too well.
While this material isn't really new, Sheridan strives to make it as realistic and as low-key as possible. He's fortunate to get extremely strong performances by leads Considine (a rising star in England) and the always terrific Morton, whose heartbreaking turn as Sarah may be her best work to date.
Hounsou brings his customary intensity to this ensemble piece, and as Christy, Sarah Bolger exhibits a maturity beyond her relatively young years. Her young sister, newcomer Emma, also gives a performance that's free of cloying cutesiness.
"In America" is rated PG-13 for profanity (including one usage of the so-called "R-rated" curse word), a brief sex scene, violence (a brief scuffle) and brief drug content (use of pharmaceuticals and prescription drugs). Running time: 103 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com