‘Masterpiece’ BAFTA-winning period drama set to leave BBC iPlayer | Films | Entertainment

A classic post-war film has been celebrated as “one of the most beautiful movies ever made”. The picture follows a young Irish woman torn between two worlds during the 1950s.

Both critics and audiences have lavished praise upon its emotional precision and timeless appeal. Boasting an impressive 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, Brooklyn (2015) is the perfect weekend watch. It is now available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer but the platform warns viewers they only have 18 days left to catch the film.

Brooklyn (2015) is based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Irish author Colm Tóibín. Set in the 1950s, young Irishwoman Eilis Lace (played by Saoirse Ronan) leaves her small hometown behind in pursuit of a fresh start in Brooklyn.

Although she initially battles homesickness, she gradually finds her feet. Eilis ultimately finds love in Brooklyn and embraces her newfound independence. However, an unexpected family crisis draws her back to Ireland, where she finds herself entangled once more in the life she left behind.

Caught between her past and her future, Eilis must decide between two countries and the vastly different lives each one represents. Booklyn was awarded the Outstanding British Film award at the 2016 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs).

The film also received several nominations, including Best Leading Actress (Ronan), Best Supporting Actress (Julie Walters), Best Adapted Screenplay (Nick Hornby), Best Costume Design (Odile Dicks-Mireaux) and Best Make Up & Hair (Morna Ferguson, Lorraine Glynn).

Brooklyn was also nominated for three Oscars, including Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Leading Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Reviews

“In short, Brooklyn is one of the very best films of the past decade and worth looking back on,” wrote Dave Giannini for InSession Film.

Awarding the film a five out of five, Don Shanahan from Film Obsessive shared: “Brooklyn is a forthright, approachable, and esteemed historical drama where the dignity and honesty soar to heavenly heights to shine on the plights of love and independence.”

Viewers were equally effusive in their praise for the film. One remarked: “Beautiful story. One of the best movies. Moving.” Another enthused: “Beautiful classic in every sense of the word. Outstanding performances. Atmospheric joy. Don’t miss it.”

A third wrote: “It’s a masterpiece, and profoundly moving, especially if you’re an immigrant yourself. The closing is one of the most beautiful romantic scenes ever. In my opinion.”

Finally, one viewer declared: ” One of the most beautiful movies ever made. Colours, music, and reticence punctuate throughout. I have watched the scene in the dining room of the church 7,351,212 times.

“The man sings, the actress recognises brilliance amidst shuffles and anonymity, and then the director cuts to her chaperone listening to a radio. So god**** brilliant.”

Brooklyn is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer by clicking here.