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Parents' Guide to

The Immigrant

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Somber, wrenching historical drama has brief nudity.

Movie R 2014 117 minutes
The Immigrant Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 17+

Based on 2 parent reviews

doctora
doctora Parent of 5-year-old
May 29, 2022
age 16+

A lot of pain onscreen...for what end?

A film of trapped women in boxes of patriarchy and ruthless capitalism with some xenophobia thrown in for good measure. Joaquín Phoenix is somewhat convincing but appears too torn, which although reveals a complex human being, the fact remains that he survives off the sexual labor of women. Jeremy Renner's character, although well played reveals another savior reminiscent of the clown in La Strada, both silly and irreverent. Considering the current complicated political climate It is a shame that there does not feel any connection to current immigrant stories. Especially considering it is many of the descendants of these Ellis island stories that are at the heart of creating current immigration policy.
mikey0720
mikey0720 Parent of 1-year-old
September 4, 2015
age 18+

Very Moving & Heartbreaking

The plot is great, the story is great. It teaches lessons of loyalty, courage, God's love, and what to do when you hit rock bottom. There is nudity in it though, which is why i rated it 18+. It is very mild nudity compared to what nude scenes are in movies today. the first nude scene is in a wash room where all the women are bathing as well as their children, all young. its not sexual at all, but it does show breasts. next scene is during the gentlemen show, the women are actually pretty clothed, the only thing they flaunt is their breasts, and there isnt dancing, its more like a fashion walk and then theyre done. a sex scene is insinuated but it does not show anything at all which i really appreciated, no breasts, no caressing, nothing. there are cuss words. im a firm believer that a movie doesnt need a lot of nudity and sex to be a good movie, and this movie showed it very mildly and it was done, and also had a great storyline. i loved it and so did my friends!
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In 1921, Ewa Cybulski (Marion Cotillard) arrives in New York City from Poland with her sister, Magda (Angela Sarafyan), sure that wonderful lives are in store for them in this new country. Their uncle and aunt await, and opportunity is everywhere. But at Ellis Island, they hit the first of many hurdles: Magda has tuberculosis, and she has to stay there and get better or she'll be sent back. What's more, their relatives haven't shown up, and Ewa gets branded a woman of questionable morals and is in danger of being deported. In steps Bruno (Joaquin Phoenix), a "fixer" of sorts who also runs a brothel out of a theater (the actresses are a stable of prostitutes). Bruno is quickly enamored of Ewa, who agrees to participate because she has to pay for her sister's medical care -- and because Bruno is connected to Ellis Island authorities, who can be bought with bribes. When Bruno's cousin, the magician Orlando (Jeremy Renner), also grows smitten with Ewa, trouble overwhelms everything and everyone.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

THE IMMIGRANT is a complex tale that's beautifully shot in gritty, dreary hues; Cotillard's face -- and the strength she communicates with the smallest of gestures -- are the brightest spots. She's perfect as Ewa, who has to build a hard shell around her as she navigates a world she neither sought nor understands. With her, the film's dense plot makes sense. Still, it's brutal in the way it coats each character with a specific misery. Humanity, too. The bad guys aren't necessarily all bad, and the good aren't necessarily so innocent.

Though it's ultimately a satisfying film, The Immigrant is loses its narrative focus in the end. It sputters to its conclusion as if on the last drop of fuel. A betrayal doesn't feel hard-won; in fact, it's expected, detracting a little bit from the movie's triumph as a deeply felt story. Even so, while you watch, you feel specially chosen to have been invited on Ewa's journey, as difficult and wrenching it may be.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how The Immigrant portrays sex and relationships. Are they presented positively? Negatively? A mix? Do you think the movie's depiction of prostitution is historically accurate?

  • Does this film show a different side to the immigrant experience? Can you imagine what it would be like to arrive in a new country and not know whether you and your entire family could stay? And that you might be separated because of rules you're not aware of?

  • Are the characters role models? Which ones are intended to be "bad" and which "good"? How can you tell?

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