Film Review: The Immigrant

The Immigrant
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Jeremy Renner, and Marion Cotillard
Released May 23, 2014
A touching story of a young woman who comes to America with her sister to make a new life with their aunt and uncle. Unfortunately things begin to go awry when her sister, Magda because ill and they are separated; Magda is brought to the hospital while Ewa (Cotillard) is taken out of line to await being deported from whence she came.
It seems Ewa's luck has turned when she meets Bruno (Phoenix). He pays for her to remain in the states and reside with him. Her mission is to reunite with her sister as well as find her aunt and uncle. The downside is she needs money to get her sister back.
In an act of desperation, Ewa agrees to prostitute herself for money under the watchful eye of Bruno (her pimp if you will). After a time, Ewa reveals her true hatred for Bruno, setting off to find her aunt and uncle. Her uncle betrays her, reporting her to customs causing her to be sent back to Ellis Island for deportation. Again Bruno comes to her aid, rescuing her from her terrible fate. However she caught the eye of another gentleman, Orlando the Magician (Renner). Orlando is every bit charming as he is dashing. Ewa was captivated by him but never lost sight of her goal: to free her sister and be reunited. As it would be, Bruno and Orlando are cousins with a dangerous history. I feel the role of Bruno is one of Joaquin Phoenix's strongest performances. Bruno is a complicated character whom you find yourself liking and hating at the same time. Orlando is one of the dashing hero who meets a tragic end. Ewa is one of innocence that regardless of what she resorted to for money, remains innocent through out the film because her journey is a gallant one. She only wishes to be at peace in America with her sister. Truly a great film and one of great inspiration to watch what others still do today; struggle to make a living, to free themselves and those they love from poverty yet doing anything to survive.

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