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In America
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Genre | Drama |
Format | Color, Full Screen, Dolby, Multiple Formats, Widescreen, Anamorphic, Subtitled, NTSC, Dubbed |
Contributor | Ciaran Cronin, Jason Salkey, Kirsten Sheridan, Jim Sheridan, Neal Jones, Samantha Morton, Emma Bolger, Juan Carlos Hernndez, Nye Heron, Naomi Sheridan, Djimon Hounsou, Sarah Bolger, Randall Carlton, Paddy Considine, Rene Millan See more |
Language | English, French, Spanish |
Runtime | 1 hour and 45 minutes |
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Product Description
From Academy Awad Nominee Jim Sheridan comes this deeply personal and poignant tale of a poor Irish family searching for a better life In America. Through the eyes of their spunky daughters, two anguished parents find hope and the ability to once again believe in love and magic even amidst the dangers of New York's harrowing Hell's Kitchen. With mesmerizing performances by Samantha Morton and Djimon Hounsou, In America is "a classic" (USA Today) you won't ever forget.
Product details
- Aspect Ratio : 1.85:1
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- MPAA rating : PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
- Product Dimensions : 7.75 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches; 3.52 ounces
- Director : Jim Sheridan
- Media Format : Color, Full Screen, Dolby, Multiple Formats, Widescreen, Anamorphic, Subtitled, NTSC, Dubbed
- Run time : 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Actors : Paddy Considine, Samantha Morton, Djimon Hounsou, Sarah Bolger, Emma Bolger
- Dubbed: : French, Spanish
- Subtitles: : English, Spanish
- Language : Unqualified (DTS ES 6.1), English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround), Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround)
- Studio : Fox Searchlight
- ASIN : B00005JLR8
- Writers : Jim Sheridan, Kirsten Sheridan, Naomi Sheridan
- Number of discs : 1
- Best Sellers Rank: #68,650 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
- #11,149 in Drama DVDs
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this movie to be an underrated gem with a well-told family story that stirs up many emotions. They praise the wonderful acting, particularly the exceptional young sisters, and appreciate its thought-provoking message and honest approach. Customers describe the film as moving, funny, and heartwarming, with one review noting how it conveys real emotional expression tastefully.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find this movie beautiful and worth watching multiple times, describing it as an underrated gem.
"One of my favorites. A somewhat underrated gem of a movie. If you don't shed tears at least once during this movie you have no soul." Read more
"The movie is spectacular and highly recommended BUT this copy had "breakup" in two places...." Read more
"Love this film so much. It is so sweet and powerful. I have watched it many times." Read more
"Recommend buying this movie. Should be a Classic. The acting was fabulous. The Afro-Amer...." Read more
Customers find the movie's story wonderful and heartwarming, describing it as a well-told family narrative with an uplifting ending.
"...acclaimed(the crappy "Lost in Translation), this film had the best story and the best ensemble acting...." Read more
"...emotional but eventually uplifting tale of loss and grief, relationship challenges, personal discovery and - ultimately - recovery and triumph as a..." Read more
"Beautiful story, wonderful acting. The kids are especially incredible." Read more
"Under the expert direction of Jim Sheridan, this simple story of an Irish family moving into NYC remains one of the best tearjerkers in recent..." Read more
Customers find the movie heartwarming, with one customer noting how it conveys real emotional expression tastefully, while others mention it stirs up many emotions.
"...The script deals with powerful emotions, yet manages to be subtle in the details. I have seen this movie in the theater and on DVD...." Read more
"A very emotional but eventually uplifting tale of loss and grief, relationship challenges, personal discovery and - ultimately - recovery and..." Read more
"...classes, and one student in her paper remarked 'This movie is almost too beautiful, to perfect to write about or discuss, for fear of diminishing..." Read more
"...performances unlike what you ever get to see kids do onscreen - emotional, honest, raw, thoughtful...." Read more
Customers praise the acting in the movie, particularly noting the likable characters, with one customer highlighting the fantastic performance of the Afro-American actor and another mentioning the children's perfect casting.
"...this film had the best story and the best ensemble acting...." Read more
"...Should be a Classic. The acting was fabulous. The Afro-Amer. actor was absolutely fantastic and his relationship with the little girls put a lump in..." Read more
"Beautiful story, wonderful acting. The kids are especially incredible." Read more
"...The heartfelt acting and beautiful filmography is what separates it from being a cliche...." Read more
Customers find the movie thought-provoking and honest, with one customer describing it as a magical journey through complex human spirits.
"...uplifting tale of loss and grief, relationship challenges, personal discovery and - ultimately - recovery and triumph as a family starts life over..." Read more
"...the tragic death of their two year old son is a magical journey through the complex human spirits...." Read more
"...her paper remarked 'This movie is almost too beautiful, to perfect to write about or discuss, for fear of diminishing it'...." Read more
"...unlike what you ever get to see kids do onscreen - emotional, honest, raw, thoughtful...." Read more
Customers find the pacing of the movie moving.
"...The parents are both expertly played by a very moving Paddy Considine and an always astounding Samantha Morton...." Read more
"...Though it involves loss, it is not a depressing movie, but certainly moving." Read more
"Incredibly moving, beautiful story, enjoy watching this incredible film with a friend and your family...." Read more
"This is one of the few movies that I would repeatedly watch. It is so moving, the acting is so great, and the story is truly wonderful...." Read more
Customers find the movie humorous, with one mentioning it makes them laugh and cry, while others describe it as sad.
"...Though it involves loss, it is not a depressing movie, but certainly moving." Read more
"I love this movie. Heart warming. Makes you laugh and cry." Read more
"...We have watched it several times over the years and it's heartwarming, funny and poignant without being cheezy. Don't miss this one." Read more
"...You'll probably watch it over and over. A wonderful and humorous story, with a few very exciting moments and a nice..." Read more
Customers find the characters likable, particularly praising the young sisters' exceptional performances, with one customer noting the expert portrayals of the parents.
"Beautiful story, wonderful acting. The kids are especially incredible." Read more
"...The parents are both expertly played by a very moving Paddy Considine and an always astounding Samantha Morton...." Read more
"Holds up over time. The young sisters are exceptional!" Read more
"...The acting and the actors were superb. The 2 young girls were awesome if not a bit difficult to understand at times...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2025This is a movie i never get tired of watching
- Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2004I am baffled by some of the negative reviews of this movie and agree with those who have praised it. One negative review mentioned a line from one of the little girls near the end of the move as being a clunker. This line is delivered at a particularly tense moment as the family ponders a blood transfusion for their gravely ill newborn. The line is one of the most memorable film moments I have ever seen. It releases tension, reveals something the little girl has been holding inside for the whole movie and is one more example of the pitch-perfect nature of the film. Everything rings true emotionally. The script deals with powerful emotions, yet manages to be subtle in the details. I have seen this movie in the theater and on DVD. I watched the deleted scenes and I can see why they were deleted. Sheridan has always chosen the more subtle path.
I have never seen a better performance by child actors. There is a scene where the younger girl is flouncing around with a styrofoam cup on a stick in Central Park. She is pretending to be the Statue of Liberty. She is spouting a stream words about America and freedom. It is a small moment in the film but perfect. This was not in the script, the cameras just happened to catch her waiting to shoot a scene...being a little girl. The rest of the movie seems to be just that way--catching people being themselves.
One can't help believing them. I don't like manipulative tear-jerking movies that just press your buttons. I love movies where people triumph over the things that life can throw your way. Having said that, I couldn't talk for about 15 minutes after walking out of the theater. My wife asked if I liked it and I could only nod and mumble. If feeling something scares you don't see this movie. If being touched by someone's story matters to you, own this movie!
I plan on watching this one regularly. I saw things in it the second time around that I didn't see the first.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2004I am incredulous that this film was criminally overlooked at the Oscars this year. Whereas other films may have had more technical attributes("The Return of the King") or star-power driven("Mystic River") or inexplicably critically acclaimed(the crappy "Lost in Translation), this film had the best story and the best ensemble acting. This is the story of a family coming to America from Ireland looking for not only the economic opportunity this country promises but to a put a tragic past behind them. The five principle actors in this film are all uniformly excellent. Samantha Morton was justifiably nominated for an Oscar as the mother and wife trying to hold together her family through harsh economic and emotional times while subordinating her own needs. Djimon Hounsou is excellent as the bitter dying artist who takes a chance by allowing this family to enter into his life. Paddy Considine's performance is probably the most overlooked because he plays a man who struggles to provide for his family financially but internalizes his personal pain. The real delight here are the performances by the Bolger sisters, Emma and Sarah. Despite all the hardship they've experienced, they put an uncomplaining sunny face on everything. Despite the gloom and despair that hang over this family, the efforts of the actors here make America seem like a magical place.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2024One of my favorites. A somewhat underrated gem of a movie. If you don't shed tears at least once during this movie you have no soul.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2017The movie is spectacular and highly recommended BUT this copy had "breakup" in two places. The seller obviously did not check out the quality of the DVD. We were able to watch it because the pixelation did not last too long in either place. But please so not offer something for sale that is not in good condition!
- Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2008Be strong. Grab a cup of tea and shut down the computer and phone. Take deep breaths. Be ready to fall in love, have your heart broken, and fall in love again before the film is over. I love this movie....
With my high school sophomores, I do a unit on the American Dream. I love to show them the scene from this film (would show them the movie in its entirety, if I could) where Johnny decides to buy the swamp cooler for their sweltering loft apartment. If you feel no compassion after what transpires, you are an android, not a human. I love this movie...
When my great-grandparents came from Ireland, they settled on a farm in a rural area. But their dream was the same... the same as it is for many, many Americans: We just want to live out our passions in peace and freedom. This film reminds us that we need each other to do so. I love this movie....
- Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2013A very emotional but eventually uplifting tale of loss and grief, relationship challenges, personal discovery and - ultimately - recovery and triumph as a family starts life over in a new country, under the most adverse and colorful conditions. Landing in America, in New York City's "Hell's Kitchen", an Irish family grieving the loss of a child starts over in a halfway house filled with active and recovering addicts, a dying man with AIDS whom they befriend slowly but fully, finding their way through the seedy underbelly of the city's more notorious neighborhoods. As they make their journey their lives are forever changed; for the better. The two girls give powerful performances that left me very impressed.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2023Love this film so much. It is so sweet and powerful. I have watched it many times.
Top reviews from other countries
- IndiGReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 16, 2008
5.0 out of 5 stars amazing!
This movie is amazing. I am not exaggerating! It is so beautifully shot, well written and everyone in the film can actually act! The younger sister who plays Ariel (she's on the cover) is so adorable (physically and mentally).
It is about an Irish family (Mum, Dad, two girls) who are moving to New York as a fresh start, because they have lost their son Frankie about a year before. They live in a rough area in the top apartment of a really old apartment block and the Dad tries to make it as an actor to support the family. In the old building where they live they make friends with a lonely man who avoids everyone and takes out his anger in his art (he also has an illness that is wearing him down) but the children see through him and he becomes friends with them. The mother becomes expectant with another child. The doctor tells her that it would be wise to abort it early, as it will be a dangerous pregnancy. She decides against the doctor's concerns and continues with the pregnancy. Through the pregnancy she has to overcome Frankie's death. I won't say anything more! you will have to watch it!
It is so heart-warming (i shed a few tears at the end). It has sad moments, but it all comes together at the end.
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hym'sReviewed in France on December 15, 2006
5.0 out of 5 stars Magnifique...que dire de plus....
BEAU***BEAU***BEAU !!! (affiche qui ne rend pas justice à la beauté de ce film ! donc un film à voir sans faute!).
Comme souvent les histoires vécues font de beaux films ... surtout si le réalisateur est l'un des personnages principaux (et le réalisateur du déjà magnifique Au nom du père), que la scénariste est l'une des deux enfants de l'histoire (qui a bien grandit depuis: voir les bonus et son interview).
Il s'agit du parcours d'une famille d'immigrants Irlandais (les parents et deux toutes petites filles ) qui vient s'installer clandestinement - et sans un sou en poche - à New York, juste après le décès de leur troisième enfant. Évidemment rien ne va être simple pour eux dans ces conditions. C'est un film poignant et intime (puisque raconté par ses protagonistes) qui nous est raconté au travers du regards des deux petites filles... difficile de ne pas être ému, voire ébranlé parfois.
J'ai Aimé ce film, je n'en ajoute donc pas d'avantage, je ne veux pas trahir les surprises qu'il vous réserve...
Je vous souhaite un "Bon film"...
- Rodrigo EscuderoReviewed in Spain on February 25, 2015
4.0 out of 5 stars Great item and really fast shipping
The item was exactly as described and it was in great condition. Also the shipping was really fast. Great seller
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Sebastian B.Reviewed in Germany on September 21, 2012
5.0 out of 5 stars The American Dream - Wirklich vorhanden?
Ich habe mir diese DVD auf Anraten meines Englisch LK-Lehrers gekauft.
Den Film habe ich in meiner Facharbeit ausreichend analysiert. In der Fragestellung, ob es den amerikanischen Traum auch heute noch gäbe, bin ich auf den Schluss gekommen, dass dies - anhand der im Film dargestellten Szenen - nicht mehr der Fall ist.
Zur Geschichte:
Eine Familie kommt voller Erwartungen ins gelobte Land Amerika, wo sich all ihre Wünsche erfüllen mögen. Doch schon bei ihrer Ankunft entpuppt sich das doch so toll umworbene Amerika "als Drecksloch" (Zitat). Früh müssen sie erkennen, dass die Familie es nur mit harter Arbeit schaffen kann, den schlimmen Zuständen zu entkommen.
Und dann ist da auch noch ein geheimnisvoller Farbiger, der sich "Matthäus" nennt. Die zwei Kinder lieben ihn, der Vater ist noch skeptisch und auch die Frau beginnt so langsam Gefühle für ihn zu zeigen.
Im Laufe der Geschichte geht es der Familie immer besser - doch eines Tages ist "Matthäus" verschwunden.
Ein sehr anrührendes Drama, bei dem ich auch am Ende weinen musste.
Tolle Geschichte, wahre Fakten um Amerika und rührendes und spannendes Ende - super! Sowas verdient 5*
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Alexandre parentReviewed in Canada on July 18, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Très bien
Reçu le bon produit tel que indiqué