Golden Door (Nuovo Mondo) Review

This beautifully shot film has artful scenes so delicious, they'll likely to float past your mind's eye for years to come.  And upon serious reflection, Golden Door is so much more than an art film (albeit one worth twice its ticket price).  This quiet movie with its endearing story line also shines a bright light on the history of immigration, and how the process has changed in this country.   It is sure to be the catalyst for long discussions among those who see it, and, if it's historically accurate in its portrayal of Ellis Island at the turn of the century (1900, that is) then it's educational as well.   I actually plan to do a little research after having my curiousity piqued.  

At any rate, the film starts in hard-scrabble Sicilia, and features a small impoverished family:  a widow, his two sons and his Mother, all of whom make the huge decision to go to America.   The ins and outs of merely making the choice and getting to the ship are a very interesting part of the film, and include many fanciful scenes best described as magic realism.  Once the family has departed on their trying voyage across the Atlantic, one eye-opening scene after another ensues.

Charlotte Gainsbourg is wonderful, as always, and perfectly cast as the odd Englishwoman making the voyage, surrounded by Italians.   The actors portraying the Italian widow and his mother are also perfectly suited to their roles, and do a wonderful job of holding the audience's attention.  We feel their curiosity, and the pain caused by indignities they suffer. 

When I emerged from the dark theater into the bright blue skies over my American hometown, I took a deep breath and felt thankful, once again, for where and when I live.   If you love art films, history, Italy, or you're interested in immigration, this is a great film for you.  

The Bottom Line:  Libby Loves It!