America, America

Director: Elia Kazan
Year Released: 1963
Rating: 3.0

Earnest paean to America as Land of the Free: a downright obsessed Greek (Stathis Giallelis) journeys from his home in Turkey to New York City, enduring constant hardship and even having to resort to 'alternative' means to attain his goal. A little too melodramatic in parts, but the message is noble and inspiring: I know my own relatives came through Ellis Island and this makes me appreciate their journey all the more. Giallelis isn't the most dynamic lead, but the events transpiring around him are consistently engrossing.