Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the truth: Brooklyn is objectively a beautiful, well-crafted film with nearly perfect critical reviews. It's emotionally intelligent, gorgeously shot, and Saoirse Ronan is phenomenal.

But let's be real—this is a tough sell for modern kids. It's slow. Like, glacially slow by 2025 standards. There are long stretches of Eilis just... existing in her feelings. No quips, no action, no TikTok-speed cuts. If your teen is already into period dramas or literary adaptations, they'll likely appreciate this. If they're not, they'll be on their phone.

The story itself is genuinely enriching—the immigrant experience, the impossible choice between two lives, the emotional complexity of the love triangle. These are meaty themes worth discussing. And it models a kind of quiet strength and self-determination that's valuable.

But I'm knocking the overall WISE score down because watchability matters. This isn't a "throw it on for family movie night" pick unless your family specifically enjoys slow-burn character studies. It's more of a "assign it for a thoughtful teen who's ready for it" situation. The kind of movie that's good FOR you but not necessarily fun to watch.

Age Fit

Best for mature tweens (13+) and teens who already enjoy slower, character-driven stories—think kids who read literary fiction or watch A24 films. Younger kids will be bored senseless, and even many teens will struggle with the pacing if they're used to algorithm-trained entertainment.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

A tender, emotionally mature romance set in the 1950s that models genuine kindness, family bonds, and respectful relationships. The pacing is deliberate and contemplative rather than chaotic. The central romance is sweet and age-appropriate, showing a young woman navigating complex life choices with grace. Strong family values and community connection throughout.

Imaginative

62

While beautifully crafted with excellent period detail and cinematography, this is a straightforward period drama romance that doesn't push creative boundaries or invite much active imagination. It's more observational than inventive—viewers experience Eilis's journey but aren't prompted to build, explore, or create. The immigrant experience offers some window into a different world, but the narrative structure is quite traditional.

Safe

82

Common Sense Media rates it 14+, and the content is quite mild for a romance. There's a brief, tasteful intimate scene (no nudity shown) and some emotional weight around loss and difficult choices, but no violence, gore, or shocking content. The main safety consideration is the emotional complexity of the love triangle and the weight of immigration/homesickness themes, which could be heavy for younger viewers but aren't inappropriate or triggering.

Enriching

85

Exceptional critical acclaim (97% RT critics, 88 Metacritic) for good reason—this is a thoughtful exploration of identity, belonging, immigration, family duty versus personal desire, and what 'home' means. Offers rich historical context about the Irish-American immigrant experience in the 1950s. The protagonist's growth from timid girl to confident woman provides a strong character arc. Builds empathy and understanding of complex emotional decisions without easy answers.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Exceptional critical acclaim (97% on RT) for its tender, nuanced portrayal of a young woman finding herself
A masterclass in showing complex emotions—homesickness, divided loyalty, first love—without melodrama
Rich window into 1950s Irish-American immigrant experience, building historical empathy and understanding
Saoirse Ronan's performance is luminous; watching her character transform from shy to confident is genuinely moving
Tackles genuinely difficult questions about identity, belonging, and choosing your own life versus family expectations

⚠

What to Watch For

This is SLOW. Like, really slow. If your kid needs Marvel-pacing, they'll be checking their phone in 10 minutes
One brief intimate scene (tasteful, under covers, no nudity) that's appropriate for teens but worth a heads-up
Heavy emotional weight around homesickness, family loss, and an impossible choice between two lives—might hit hard for sensitive kids
The love triangle creates real tension and there's no perfect 'right answer'—some kids might find that frustrating rather than thought-provoking

Conversation Starters

"If you had to choose between two completely different lives in different countries, how would you even begin to decide?"
"Eilis keeps secrets from people she loves to avoid hurting them. When is that okay, and when does it become lying?"
"What do you think 'home' really means? Is it where you're from, where you are now, or something else?"
"How different do you think dating and relationships were in the 1950s compared to now? What's better, what's worse?"
"The movie shows how hard it was to even communicate across the ocean back then—how do you think that changed people's decisions about moving?"

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