See it at the Movies

THE IMMIGRANT

Posted 7/9/14

* * * *

(Poignant tale of

immigration in the ’20s)

Marion Cotillard gives a stunning, poignant performance as Ewa Cybulski, a Polish immigrant in the early 1920s who faces numerous …

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See it at the Movies

THE IMMIGRANT

Posted

* * * *

(Poignant tale of

immigration in the ’20s)

Marion Cotillard gives a stunning, poignant performance as Ewa Cybulski, a Polish immigrant in the early 1920s who faces numerous obstacles in her struggle to “be happy” in America.

Ewa is separated from her sister, who is sent to a hospital when suspected of being contagious as the two arrive at Ellis Island. Threatened to be deported, she is “saved” by Bruno (Joaquin Phenix), a man of questionable values who attracts pretty girls in hopeless situations to join his “theatre” group.

Bruno is nothing more than a pimp who connives young ladies into working for him as he convinces them that he is saving them from poverty and deportation. “I’m here to help you,” he tells Ewa, as he slowly makes her completely dependent on him.

Acting in a nudie show, Ewa is eventually forced into prostitution, as Bruno controls her life. Jeremy Renner plays Orlando the Magician, who becomes infatuated with Ewa and tries to wean her away from Bruno, causing much conflict and eventual tragedy.

The American Dream becomes a nightmare for Ewa, and you wonder if she will ever find the happiness she covets and deserves.

While “The Immigrant” is a bit of a downer at times, it does offer some hope during a difficult period of America’s growth. The performances by Cotillard, Phoenix and Renner are outstanding. The two-hour movie is filled with emotion and intensity.

The question of how far a person will go to find happiness while still maintaining a sense of dignity makes for an absorbing story. “The Immigrant” is an example of top notch movie making and is highly recommended.

At the Avon, where most good, intelligent films usually make their way. Rated R because of some profanity, sex, nudity and violence.

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