message in the movies By Rev. Bruce Batchelor Glader

    
In America   PG-13
Directed by Jim Sheridan. Starring Samantha Morton, Paddy Considine

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In the opening scenes of In America, a young Irish family drives their station wagon into New York City, excited about the opportunity for a new beginning.  The father is a talented actor, but the family will have to start their new life in relative poverty, moving into a low-rent apartment in a building known for its drug traffic.  But American poverty is still better than Irish poverty, and soon the two girls are going to a Catholic school, and the father is working odd jobs to put food on the table until he gets his first big break.   There is a deep tragedy, however, that has followed this family to America, and how they come to terms with the grief of their past is the main subject of this film. Healing comes in a beautiful way through the hope and optimism of Christy, their oldest daughter, and the growing friendship of Christy and her little sister with Mateo, a mysterious Nigerian artist who lives just below them.  In America is a deeply spiritual film full of rich performances and quiet wisdom.  This is one of the best films of the year and a true work of art.

Halo and Pitchfork Rating: Five halos. (A heartbreaking and moving story of grief and new beginnings.) One pitchfork. (Occasional swearing; one scene of marital lovemaking.)

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