Library Film Series

“Far and Away” and “Gangs of New York”

This September the McClelland Library is excited to show two movies featuring vastly different accounts of the Irish-American immigration experience in the 19th century.
First we will present the 90’s hit film “Far and Away” (Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman). Far and Away is a relatively happy story in which Irish immigrants overcome great difficulties to build a new life in a land of opportunity.
Our second selection will be “Gangs of New York” (Daniel Day Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio). Gangs of New York is set in the squalid chaos and brutal ethnic strife of Manhattan’s legendary Five Points neighborhood and paints a much grittier and more violent image of the 19th century immigration experience.

Following each film, speakers will engage in a discussion of the diaspora experience presented by each–guests are invited to join the discussion or simply listen. Following Gangs of New York the discussion will also include a comparison of both films.  We anticipate this film series to be fun and engaging.

$5 per person, free popcorn included and bar on site.