In America (2003)
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89% of critics liked it
(171 reviews) -
89% of users liked it
(34,153 ratings)
After chronicling various chapters of Irish history in such films as In the Name of the Father and The Field, writer/director Jim Sheridan turns his lens upon his own family's experiences immigrating to the United States in the aptly titled In America. The loosely autobiographical script centers… More After chronicling various chapters of Irish history in such films as In the Name of the Father and The Field, writer/director Jim Sheridan turns his lens upon his own family's experiences immigrating to the United States in the aptly titled In America. The loosely autobiographical script centers on Johnny (Paddy Considine), a young actor sneaking his wife, Sarah (Samantha Morton), and daughters, Christy and Ariel (real-life sisters Sarah and Emma Bolger, respectively), over the Canadian border in the hopes of jump-starting his career in New York City. They soon find that America is not the land of boundless opportunity, however, as they move into a dank, dilapidated apartment building populated by drug dealers, transients, and thugs. Johnny doesn't snag auditions as easily as he may have hoped, and he and Sarah are forced to take meager jobs after spending their savings on food, rent, and utilities. Still in grief over the untimely death of their toddler son back in Ireland, the couple find their relationship further strained by the pressures of life in the city. Little by little, however, things begin to look up for the fiercely protective family unit, especially when they befriend an eccentric artist neighbor named Mateo (Djimon Hounsou). In America saw its world premiere at the 2002 Toronto International Film Festival and played to enthusiastic crowds at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival before its theatrical release in the fall of that year. ~ Michael Hastings, Rovi
- Directed By
- Jim Sheridan
- Written By
- Naomi Sheridan, Kirsten Sheridan
- Genres
- Drama, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Apr 29, 2003 Wide
- Studio
- Fox Searchlight Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Meredith Brody, Chicago Reader
The result is a blend of kitchen-sink and magical realism: sentimental, but well acted and freshly observed.
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, Time Out
The pairing of two brilliant, loose-cannon actors gets the film a long way.
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Peter Rainer, New York Magazine
At its best, the movie has a supernal glow that you can practically warm your hands by.
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Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
One of the two or three best movies of the year, In America is easily the most emotionally satisfying.
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Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
It humbles its audience and engenders a sense of empathy.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Samantha Morton
as Sarah Sullivan
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Paddy Considine
as Johnny Sullivan
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Sarah Bolger
as Christy Sullivan
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Emma Bolger
as Ariel Sullivan
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Djimon Hounsou
as Mateo
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Nick Dunning
as Gynaecologist
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Neal Jones
as Immigration Officer
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Kathleen King
as Prize-Giving Nun
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Adrian Martinez
as Shopkeeper
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Jer O'Leary
as Thomas Bakewell
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Jason Salkey
as Tony
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Elaine Grollman
as Nun On School Steps
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Nye Heron
as Blind Man
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Tom Murphy
as Actor In Queue
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Frank Wood
as Paediatrician
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Sarah James
as Papo's Girlfriend
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Bernadette Quigley
as Hospital Administrator
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David Wike
as Barker
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Juan Hernandez
as Papo
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Rene Millan
as Steve
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Michael Sean Tighe
as Frank
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Guy Carleton
as Man At Fair
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Des Bishop
as Stockbroker In Taxi
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Randall Carlton
as Immigration Officer
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Ciaran Cronin
as Frankie Sullivan
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Bob Gallico
as Theatre Director
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Molly Glynn
as Sarah Mateo
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Jason Killalee
as assistant theatre director
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Gabriela Quintero Lopez
as Mexican Woman Guitarist
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Merrina Millsapp
as Marina
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Chary O'Dea
as Mexican Woman With Child
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Regina Roe
as Administrator, Nurse
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Rodrigo Pineda Sanchez
as Mexican Man Guitarist
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Eilish Scanlon
as Nun Playing Piano
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Jennifer Seifert
as Angela