This Movie is Rated PG-13 – For Some Sexuality, Drug References, Brief Violence and Language
After a devastating loss, a poor Irish family comes to New York in hopes of a new start. The only apartment they find, that they can afford and that will also accept children is located in “Hell’s Kitchen”. It’s a rundown, old building in an area where a lot of junkies hang out. Their apartment is on the very top floor and of course the elevator doesn’t work. As they are making the ominous trip up the stairs they can hear a man screaming from inside one of the apartments. Not exactly welcoming.
Much of the story is told through narration by ten year old Christy (Sarah Bolger). She likes to video tape everything. Her camera serves as her journal and her confidant. Her little sister, Ariel (Emma Bolger), is six years old. She is usually bubbly, happy and friendly to everyone. Yes, they are actually sisters in real life. They both were wonderful in the movie and you could really feel their sisterly bond.
Their parents are Sarah (Samantha Morton) and Johnny (Paddy Considine). Sarah is a teacher, but is unable to find work in that field, so she ends up working at an ice cream parlor. Johnny is an actor, but isn’t having any luck at his auditions. He resorts to driving a taxi while he continues to pursue his acting dream.
We watch their day to day struggles as they adapt to their new life. Trying to earn enough money to survive and make their apartment livable. The girls fitting in at their new school. Plus they are still trying to deal with the trauma that made them leave Ireland to begin with. There is definitely a sad vibe in their family.
Eventually, they meet one of their neighbors, Mateo (Djimon Hounsou). Sarah and the girls really enjoy his company. His presence helps to lift their spirits. Mateo ends up spending a lot of time with the family, which causes a bit of jealousy from Johnny. Eventually, they learn that he is battling a demon of his own.
Even though Djimon’s role might not be as large as Samantha and Paddy’s are, he is absolutely unforgettable in this movie. His range as an actor is wonderful; he portrays sensitivity and vulnerability just as easily as power and strength. Plus, he really clicks with all the other actors. He is especially adorable with the little girls. When the girls go Trick-or-Treating at his apartment is my all time favorite scene in the movie.
Some of my favorite quotes:
Christy – “We looked all over Manhattan for a place to live, till finally we found the house of the man who screamed.”
Sarah – “It’s like Fort Knox.”
Ariel – “Cool!”
Christy – “You’re American already. It’s disgusting.”
Christy – “And then summer came, and with it the heat. And a new word; humidity.”
Ariel – “It’s the lemon drops. They’re magic.”
Christy – “Every cent of every penny we owned was down for an E.T. doll worth $30.”
Ariel – “My Mom is playing with Dad on her own.”
Christy – “You don’t ask for help in America. You demand it. Trick-or-Treat. You don’t ask, you threaten.”
Sarah – “You can’t do that on our street.”
Christy – “Why not.”
Sarah – “Because you can’t threaten drug addicts and transvestites. That’s why.”
Ariel – “Knock again. I dare you.”
Mateo – “You came all the way to America to Trick-or-Treat?”
This is a lovely movie about the ups and downs of life. I found myself becoming very involved with the characters and really hoping that everything would turn out well for them.
Jan
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Following is additional information about the movie that contains spoilers. If you don’t want to be spoiled don’t read any further.
This movie was written and directed by Jim Sheridan. The story is based on his life, with the character of Johnny representing him. Although some things have been changed around a bit, such as the story of Frankie. In the movie Frankie was his son, however, it’s actually the story of how his brother died. Although, the whole bit about the air conditioner was pretty much how it actually happened. Jim provides an interesting commentary where he talks about stuff like that.
Johnny’s confrontation with Mateo, because he feels that Mateo is replacing him within his family, is so intense. He feels so threatened and angry. Then he discovers that Mateo is living vicariously through his family, because he will never have the opportunity to have a life like that. That’s when it dawns on him that Mateo is dying. This is a real turning point for those two characters.
I was so sad when Mateo died, even though I knew it was coming. It was such a lovely crossover scene between him and the baby.
