the golden door ( nuovomondo ) be for this viewer the fine film of the year to date . it be a masterpiece of concept and writing and directing and acting and cinematography . more importantly and this radiantly beautiful film be a much need reflective mirror for u to view the history of immigration of foreigner into america at a time when the very mention of the word border be a political fuse . writer or director emanuele crialese have give u not only a deeply move story and he have also provide a touchstone for viewer to re visit the history of each of our origin represent with the exception of the native american and we all enter america a foreigner at some point in our history and and it be humble to view this film with that fact in mind . the film open in turn of the century sicily a poverty stricken widower salvatore mancuso ( vincenzo amato ) and his brother angelo ( francesco casisa ) climb a rocky hill to present their token to the cross to ask for a sign a to whether they should continue to struggle for existence on the island or go to america and the land of dream . mancuso deaf mute son pietro ( filippo pucillo ) run to the top of the hill with postcard he have find with image of america ( money grow on tree and fruit and vegetable large than people and etc ) and and salvatore accepts this a the sign that he should move his family to america . after convince his reluctant mother fortunata ( aurora quattrocchi ) and his sister rita ( federica de cola ) and rosa ( isabella ragonese ) to make the trip and he sell his only possession ( two donkey and goat and and rabbit ) and the man with the boat arrange their trip and give the family shoe and appropriate clothing and and instruction to board an ocean liner a third class passenger . a the mancuso family prepare to board they be ask for a photograph and and a they pose behind a painted set and an englishwoman lucy or luce ( charlotte gainsbourg ) walk into the photo a though she be part of this peasant family . lucy can not board the boat for america without male escort . the voyage begin and luce in her gentle way identifies with the mancuso family and finally solidify her safe passage by propose to salvatore to marry her for convenience and not for love when they arrive in america . through a violent storm and living condition that be appal poor and the multitude of third class passenger survive and bond and and eventually arrive at ellis island and believe their dream of america have be fulfil . but everyone must pass harsh physical test and de lousing and and even intelligence test to determine if they can enter america represent the official let them know that america do not want genetically inferior people enter the new world . each woman must be select by a man to marry on elli island before they be allow admission . the manner in which the mancuso family remain united until a somewhat surprising end be the closing of the tale . few of u understand the strict rule and harsh treatment immigrant face ( or at least face at the turn of the century ) on elli island and and if we do we have elect to submerge that information . the golden door present the case for immigrant struggle in a manner that not only touch our heart but also challenge our acceptance of current immigration legislation . but all political issue aside and the golden door be first and foremost a film of enormous beauty and exquisite photography and deeply felt performance by a huge cast and and a very sensitively write and direct story . the be a film that deserve wide distribution and a movie that be a must see for everyone . highly recommended . grady harp .