...a scrapbook of family history that has gained poignancy through the showing and telling but remains recognizably a family story rather than a myth or epic.
In America (2003)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:170
Fresh:151
Rotten:19
Average Rating:7.7/10
Consensus: A rich and moving story about an immigrant family adjusting to life in New York.
Rated: 15 [See Full Rating] for some sexuality, drug references, brief violence and language
Runtime: 1 hr 43 mins
Genre: Dramas
Theatrical Release:31-10-2003
Synopsis: From master storyteller Jim Sheridan ("My Left Foot," "In The Name of the Father") comes a deeply personal and emotionally raw tale of a family finding its soul IN AMERICA. Through the wide-open... From master storyteller Jim Sheridan ("My Left Foot," "In The Name of the Father") comes a deeply personal and emotionally raw tale of a family finding its soul IN AMERICA. Through the wide-open eyes of two young heroines, Sheridan transforms a devastating human tragedy into a riveting, humor-tinged story about memory, secrets, love, loss, coming together and starting over. To begin all over again is a classic American dream. But it's remarkably hard to do, as Irish émigrés Johnny and Sarah (PADDY CONSIDINE and SAMANTHA MORTON) discover when they hit the streets of modern-day Manhattan, their two spunky young daughters in tow, and emerge into a realm as comical and adventure-filled as it is strange and terrifying. The family faces a dizzying new future –- but first they must face down a past that haunts every single one of them. With no cash to spare, Johnny and Sarah settle into a chaotic New York tenement populated by a colorful assortment of characters – and attempt to turn a Gothic horror-movie setting into a true home. From dragging an iffy-looking air conditioner across Manhattan to finding make-do jobs, nothing comes without a fight for the couple. And yet, while they see America as rife with challenges, dangers and weirdness, their daughters see it as a magical place where anything can happen, a place that might release them all from the anguish of what has come before. Then, on Halloween, Christy and Ariel (sisters SARAH and EMMA BOLGER) dare to knock on the door of "the screaming man," a mysterious neighbor named Mateo (DJIMON HOUNSOU), and everything changes. As the family heads for a crisis, Mateo becomes their unlikely ally in the territory where hope, faith and even magic hold sway. Based in part on Jim Sheridan's own autobiographical experiences coming to the United States, IN AMERICA is directed by Sheridan from a script by Sheridan and his two daughters, Naomi Sheridan and Kirsten Sheridan. The cast includes Academy Award® nominee for "Sweet and Lowdown" Samantha Morton ("Minority Report"), Paddy Considine ("24 Hour Party People"), Djimon Hounsou ("Amistad," "Gladiator") and sisters Sara Bolger ("A Love Divided") and Emma Bolger (in her feature film debut). The film is produced by Jim Sheridan and Arthur Lappin. -- © Fox Searchlight [More]
Starring: Paddy Considine, Samantha Morton, Djimon Hounsou, Sarah Bolger
Starring: Paddy Considine, Samantha Morton, Djimon Hounsou, Sarah Bolger, Emma Bolger
Director: Jim Sheridan
Director: Jim Sheridan
Screenwriter: Naomi Sheridan, Kirsten Sheridan
Producer: Arthur Lappin, Jim Sheridan
Composer: Gavin Friday, Maurice Seezer
Studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Reviews for In America
Sheridan stares the scary questions in the face, admits that he cannot answer all of them, and yet offers glimmers of hope and a generous helping of uplifting humor.
At its best, the movie has a supernal glow that you can practically warm your hands by.
The film's blend of heartbreak and hope is perhaps Sheridan’s greatest achievement, and it gives us a work that’s as lovable as it is challenging.
In America es, hasta el momento, la película más personal del realizador más importante que ha dado el cine de Irlanda en los últimos 15 años.
Two child actors provide the strongest sense of realty in a disjointed tearjerker, where there’s a disconnect between what is said and what is shown.
A saddening but simultaneously uplifting look at contemporary immigrants, “In America” is bound to make you shed a tear or two.
What could have been an exercise in saccharine schmaltz is saved by the powerful performances of the adults and natural energy of the girls.
A rock steady beauty of a picture, this is a delightful holiday film season surprise.
In America is another gem from this great Irish director, and it deserves to be seen no matter what country you’re from.
In America is a rose-colored sepia toning of the family's hard-knocked life...But the film has the warmth of the director's passion.
'Una gratísima sorpresa, una conmovedora historia sobre la vida y un ejemplo de que el cine puede ser tierno de manera inteligente. Una verdadera delicia'
Sheridan manages to maintain the delicate balance between the gritty realities of the story he’s telling and the almost fairy-tale-like mysticism
Sheridan has found a way to make the audience part of his family - like we are going through the same struggles and the same joy.
...To play the two Sullivan daughters, Sheridan casts two real-life sisters, Sarah and Emma Bolger. These moppets are as cute as buttons, and Sheridan uses them to push ours.
Even the woeful lot from Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes" wouldn't be able to compete in a misery contest with this cursed clan
...says far more about the American experience than any of the jingoistic anthems on the radio or the pre-packaged patriotic speeches on the campaign trail.
Rather than bury the material, Sheridan's fairy tale approach uses myth to find deeper truth: navigating strife with human faith.
Latest News for In America
July 24, 2006:
Kid Stars Sign Up for "Spiderwick"
Young actors Freddie Highmore ("Charlie and the Chocolate Factory") and Sarah Bolger ("In America") have signed to star in Paramount's big-screen rendition... More...
April 13, 2006:
Rogue Shows Some Fuzz Love
Read on for a very formal press release from Rogue Pictures, the ultimate gist of which is this: Rogue, which is the "genre arm" of Universal Pictures, will distribute... More...
November 11, 2005:
In Other News..."Get Rich" Suffers From PA Shooting
An abysmally low Tomatometer and offensive billboards aren't the only problems plaguing this week's Jim Sheridan-50 Cent release, "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" -- one... More...
August 04, 2005:
Trailer Bulletin: Get Rich or Die Tryin'
From Jim Sheridan, the director of "In America" and "My Left Foot," comes the big-screen tale of Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson's bitter life on the... More...
More DVDs
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 95% 95% | Star Trek |
| 14% 14% | The Ugly Truth |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 86% 86% | A Christmas Tale |
| 60% 60% | Paper Heart |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- In America at Rotten Tomatoes
- In America at IGN
- In America at AskMen
Fresh Links
Featured

Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.

Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.



Top Critic

