Plot
The story is set at the beginning of the 20th century in Sicily. Salvatore, a very poor farmer, and a widower, decides to emigrate to the US with all his family, including his old mother. Before they embark, they meet Lucy. She is supposed to be a British lady and wants to come back to the States. Lucy, or Luce as Salvatore calls her, for unknown reasons wants to marry someone before to arrive to Ellis Island in New York. Salvatore accepts the proposal. Once they arrive in Ellis Island they spend the quarantine period trying to pass the examinations to be admitted to the States. Tests are not so simple for poor farmers coming from Sicily. Their destiny is in the hands of the custom officers.
Written by
Emanuele Crialese
Directed by
Emanuele Crialese
Crew
Production Countries
Italy, France
Production Companies
Wild Bunch, Titti Film, Respiro, MEDIA Programme of the European Union, Cofinova 2, Cofimage 16, Banque Populaire Images 6, mementoFilm, Sofica EuropaCorp
Languages
English, Italiano
Awards
22 wins & 29 nominations