Brooklyn is a considerably quieter, more subtle film than many of the entries on this list, but that does nothing to dilute its raw, emotional power. Saoirse Ronan plays a young Irish woman who leaves her homeland for a more prosperous life in the titular New York borough. There, she finds love with Emory Cohen's dashing young man, but finds things complicated by an impromptu return home and the realisation that Ireland could be just as exciting as the States. Directed by John Crowley from a script by Nick Hornby, Brooklyn feels like a dead cert for a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards. Saoirse Ronan has been winning gold left, right and centre for her terrific lead performance, including from the New York Film Critics Circle and at the British Independent Film Awards. If Ronan can replicate that feat at the Oscars, Brooklyn could be on course for glory.
Freelance film journalist and fan of professional wrestling. Usually found in a darkened screening room looking for an aisle seat and telling people to put away their mobile phones. Also known to do a bit of stand-up comedy, so I'm used to the occasional heckle.
