In the wake of tragedy, young Irish actor Johnny (Considine) moves with his wife (Morton) and his two girls, Christy and Ariel, to New York City. But the land of golden opportunity presents a different face to the newly arrived semi-legal clan; auditions are scarce, Sarah is forced to take menial jobs to make ends meet, and their dilapidated building is inhabited by drug dealers and ruffians. Is this really America?

Irish director Jim Sheridan ("In the Name of the Father”") paints an affecting, bittersweet portrait of immigrant life in this semi-autobiographical drama. Considine and Morton are superb actors, and their talented, scene-stealing co-stars Sarah and Emma Bolger help Sheridan render the hardships of being an outsider in a harsh environment feel completely naturalistic. Djimoun Hounsou has a nice turn, too, as an eccentric artist who befriends the family and unexpectedly brings good fortune.