In America

On the face of it, Jim Sheridan’s semi-autobiographical tale of an Irish family settling in Hell’s Kitchen would seem a shamelessly sentimental tearjerker featuring adorable children and a lovable, dying black man. But the film transcends such a description with its unconventional directing, enchanting cinematography, and deeply compelling characters. Anchored by the marriage of Johnny (Paddy Considine) and Sarah (Samantha Morton) in the aftermath of their son Frankie's death, In America offers an emotionally honest portrayal of the challenges of marriage in the context of children, family life, and procreation. -- Anders Bergstrom