The movie Brooklyn concludes with Eilis Lacey choosing to return to Brooklyn, New York, having grappled with the allure of her Irish homeland and a burgeoning romance there. This decision affirms her transformation from a shy immigrant into a confident, independent woman who has found her identity and love across the Atlantic.
Unpacking the Ending: More Than Just a Choice
The ending of Brooklyn is far more nuanced than a simple decision between two places. It represents Eilis’s journey of self-discovery, her struggle to reconcile her past with her present, and her ultimate embrace of a future she has actively crafted. While the pull of Enniscorthy, Ireland, is strong, represented by the comfort of familiarity and the unexpected connection with Jim Farrell, Eilis realizes that her true home lies in Brooklyn with Tony Fiorello.
The impact of Sister Michael’s timely revelation about Eilis’s mother’s knowledge of her secret marriage is pivotal. This act, seemingly harsh, forces Eilis to confront the fact that she was being allowed to live a lie, a life built on deception. It jolts her into recognizing the importance of honesty and facing the consequences of her choices. Ultimately, Eilis understands that staying in Ireland would be a betrayal of herself and the love she has found.
The film doesn’t shy away from the complexities of the immigrant experience. It acknowledges the enduring connection to one’s homeland and the pain of leaving behind family and friends. However, it also celebrates the empowerment that comes with forging a new life and the transformative power of love. Eilis’s return to Brooklyn signifies her acceptance of her new identity as an Irish-American woman, capable of navigating both cultures and building a life of her own choosing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brooklyn’s Ending
This section addresses some of the most common questions that arise after watching Brooklyn, providing deeper insights into the characters, themes, and motivations behind the film’s concluding moments.
FAQ 1: Why does Eilis ultimately choose to return to Brooklyn?
Eilis chooses to return to Brooklyn primarily because she realizes that she has built a life there that is genuinely her own. While she initially went to America out of necessity and a desire for opportunity, she has grown and transformed in Brooklyn. She has found love with Tony, established a career, and become an independent woman. Staying in Ireland, after her secret marriage to Tony was revealed, would mean living a life built on a lie, a life dictated by others rather than chosen by herself. The revelation of her mother’s knowledge of the marriage is a crucial catalyst in this realization.
FAQ 2: What role does Tony Fiorello play in Eilis’s decision?
Tony is undoubtedly a significant factor in Eilis’s choice. He represents the love, stability, and future she has built in Brooklyn. He is kind, supportive, and genuinely cares for her. He provides her with a sense of belonging and security that she didn’t initially have in America. His love for her, and his family’s acceptance of her, offers her a foundation on which to build her life. His presence is a constant reminder of the opportunities and happiness she has found in Brooklyn.
FAQ 3: Was Eilis truly in love with Jim Farrell?
While Eilis clearly develops feelings for Jim Farrell, it’s questionable whether it’s genuine, deep love. Jim represents the comfort and familiarity of her past. He is attractive, well-respected, and offers her a seemingly easy path back into Irish society. However, their connection lacks the depth and foundation that she shares with Tony. Jim’s allure is more about the nostalgia and comfort of home than a profound, transformative connection. Eilis’s relationship with Jim is arguably born out of a temporary vulnerability and a longing for the familiar, rather than a truly passionate and enduring love.
FAQ 4: How does Sister Michael influence Eilis’s final decision?
Sister Michael, although seemingly stern, acts as a crucial catalyst in Eilis’s decision. Her revelation about her mother knowing about the marriage forces Eilis to confront the dishonesty and potential consequences of her actions. By exposing the secret, Sister Michael removes the option of a comfortable, deceitful existence in Ireland, pushing Eilis to make a conscious and honest choice about her future. It is an act of tough love, ultimately forcing Eilis to grow and take responsibility for her life.
FAQ 5: What does the film say about the immigrant experience?
Brooklyn portrays the immigrant experience as a complex and multifaceted journey of self-discovery, loss, and adaptation. It acknowledges the challenges of leaving behind family, culture, and familiar surroundings. It also highlights the opportunities and empowerment that can come with forging a new life in a different country. The film explores themes of loneliness, homesickness, and the struggle to balance one’s past with one’s present. Ultimately, it celebrates the resilience and adaptability of immigrants and their ability to build new lives while maintaining connections to their heritage.
FAQ 6: What is the significance of Eilis teaching the young women at the sewing factory how to apply makeup?
This seemingly small scene is significant because it demonstrates Eilis’s growth in confidence and her newfound sense of independence. She is using her skills and knowledge to empower other women, helping them to feel more confident and beautiful. It also symbolizes her integration into American culture and her ability to share her experiences and connect with others. It demonstrates her growing ability to embrace her new life and help others around her.
FAQ 7: Why is the film titled “Brooklyn”?
The title “Brooklyn” emphasizes the importance of the place in Eilis’s journey. Brooklyn is not just a location; it is the setting for her transformation. It is where she experiences love, loss, and personal growth. It becomes her home, a place where she feels a sense of belonging. The title highlights the transformative power of place and the ways in which our surroundings can shape our identities. It signifies a new beginning and the creation of a new life.
FAQ 8: What does Eilis tell the young Irish woman on the boat at the end of the film?
Eilis tells the young Irish woman on the boat, “You’ll be lonely at first. And there’s nothing you can do about that. But it won’t always be like that. And you have to try to make friends. And don’t be afraid.” This advice reflects Eilis’s own experiences and her growing wisdom. She is encouraging the young woman to embrace the challenges of immigration and to have faith in her ability to overcome them. It signifies Eilis’s compassion and her desire to help others navigate the immigrant experience.
FAQ 9: How does Eilis’s wardrobe change throughout the film?
Eilis’s wardrobe changes reflect her personal transformation. Initially, she wears simple, modest clothing that reflects her shyness and naivety. As she adapts to American culture, her clothing becomes more stylish and confident. This visual transformation mirrors her internal growth and her increasing sense of self-assurance. By the end of the film, her clothing reflects a woman who is comfortable in her own skin and confident in her choices.
FAQ 10: What is the role of Irish music in the film?
Irish music plays a vital role in evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing for home. It reminds Eilis of her roots and the culture she has left behind. The music underscores the emotional weight of her choices and the enduring connection to her Irish identity. It also provides a cultural backdrop to the film, enriching the viewer’s understanding of Eilis’s background.
FAQ 11: Does Eilis ever completely forget about her life in Ireland?
No, Eilis never completely forgets about her life in Ireland. Her experiences in Enniscorthy and her relationships with her family and friends continue to shape her identity. She maintains contact with her family and returns home, demonstrating the enduring strength of her connection to her roots. While she embraces her new life in Brooklyn, she never fully erases her past. It becomes an integral part of who she is, informing her choices and perspectives.
FAQ 12: What is the overall message of the movie Brooklyn?
The overall message of Brooklyn is about finding one’s identity and embracing the power of choice. It celebrates the transformative potential of new experiences and the resilience of the human spirit. It highlights the importance of honesty, self-discovery, and the courage to forge one’s own path, even when faced with difficult decisions. Ultimately, it’s a story about finding home, not just in a place, but within oneself.