In America, the semi-autobiographical story by director and writer Jim Sheridan (In the Name of the Father), is a dramatic and touching story about one family and how their lives can change. Johnny, played by Paddy Considine (Doctor Sleep) and Sarah, played by Samantha Morton (Minority Report), take their two girls and leave their home country of Ireland and come to New York City. At first it is not apparent why the family has picked up and left, but it is soon obvious that they are escaping their life in Ireland - a life of sorrow they still carry with them throughout the movie. Narrated by the oldest daughter the eleven-year-old Christy played by Sarah Bolger (A Love Divided), the story is that much more touching than it would be from an older point of view.The family moves to a run-down apartment in a building filled with junkies. Christy and her sister Ariel - played by Emma Bolger in her screen debut and Sarah's sister in real life - do not to notice at first how run down things are. Their parents try to pull everything together and be happy. However, as much as they try, they are still overwhelmed with grief. They lost their son, Johnny, and are trying desperately to start a new life without his memory haunting their every move.

Christy can see her parents' pain as she is obviously perceptive and wise beyond her years, but she doesn't know how to help them. On Halloween, Christy and Ariel try to go trick-or-treating in their building, a custom that is completely new to them. They knock on the door of Mateo, first known as the "screaming man," who finally lets them inside. The girls start to visit his apartment frequently, and his story begins to unfold. Sarah finds a picture of Mateo's family and it becomes obvious that he came from money. Also, although it is never said out loud in the movie, it becomes obvious that he also suffers from AIDS. Mateo teaches the family to learn how to love life and to get over their grief. Mateo teaches them many lessons without shoving them down their throat, or the throat of the viewer.

Considine and Morton play very convincing roles as a couple struggling to keep themselves together and make a life for their children. Their many dramatic scenes are completely realistic and heart-wrenching. However, the real scene-stealers are Sarah and Emma Bolger. Sarah as Christy is so amazingly convincing that it is hard to believe that a child could play such a dramatic part. Emma, as her younger sister is also something remarkable to watch. Sarah has to play the eleven-year-old that knows more than any adult in the movie. She is incredibly observant and integral in keeping the family together and her parents from breaking down. Another feature of Christy is that she tapes everything on her video camera. At first she uses it to document the things that happen to the family, and she also uses it to look at video of her dead brother Johnny. Sometimes, however, it gets her into a little bit of trouble since not everyone likes to be taped. Yet it is another way to show how intuitive she is and how she catches every moment of what happens.

Another notable aspect of the movie is the scenes of New York City. There is a sweep from Times Square to the family driving through New York. Times Square seems like a magical place for the girls who appear to have never seen anything like it. Then they continue towards the part of the city where they reside - a darker side of New York with junkies sitting on the stairs, asking them for money.

In America is a touching film of a family's struggle to keep together and learn to live their lives. It is a movie that people should see to learn about their own life and how they can come together to give each other purpose.