Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Brooklyn

film

Brooklyn

2015

In 1950s Ireland and New York, young Eilis Lacey has to choose between two men and two countries.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? Teen-suitable historical romance with mature themes of immigration, homesickness, bereavement, marriage, sexual intimacy, infidelity-related conflict, and occasional drinking and mild language. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance4/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5
  • Death of a character2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

No overt product placement or commercial focus.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Bereavement and the death of a supporting character affect the story; grief is treated seriously rather than graphically.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Uses occasional mild language and some period-appropriate insults.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Catholic institutions, customs, and expectations are part of the Irish community and protagonist’s life, though faith is not the sole subject.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

The central plot revolves around a love triangle and romantic development between the protagonist and two men.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

The film contains no frightening or scary elements.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Contains one brief scene involving sexual intimacy between a married couple and some suggestive dialogue.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Adults occasionally drink alcohol and may smoke in the period setting; substance use is not a central focus or strongly glamorized.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Eilis faces migration, loneliness, grief, social pressure, and major life choices with growing emotional courage and responsibility.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

The story encourages imagination about building a new life, but inventive creativity or artistic problem-solving is not a major theme.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Depicts ethnic, working-class, and immigrant experiences in mid-century America.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

It offers meaningful insight into Irish immigration, 1950s Brooklyn, working-class life, gender expectations, and homesickness, though education is not its primary aim.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Compassion and practical support from family, friends, employers, and boarding-house residents are important parts of the story.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The film emphasizes resilience, belonging, personal agency, honesty, community support, and balancing duty with one’s own aspirations.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Eilis is a resilient, thoughtful protagonist who demonstrates character development and agency.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in Brooklyn would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Brooklyn, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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