Golden Door (2006)

A Sicilian peasant begins the journey to the promised land and meets a beautiful Englishwoman. But neither is prepared for the harsh realities of Ellis Island. Can they make it through the golden door to the America of their dreams?

Director:

Emanuele Crialese

Writer:

Emanuele Crialese

Stars:

Charlotte Gainsbourg, Vincenzo Amato, Vincent Schiavelli

22 wins & 29 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Charlotte Gainsbourg	...	Lucy Reed
Vincenzo Amato	...	Salvatore Mancuso
Vincent Schiavelli	...	Marriage Broker - on board ship
Aurora Quattrocchi	...	Fortunata Mancuso
Francesco Casisa	...	Angelo Mancuso
Filippo Pucillo	...	Pietro Mancuso
Federica De Cola	...	Rita D'Agostini
Isabella Ragonese	...	Rosa Napolitano
Filippo Luna	...	Don Ercole
Andrea Prodan	...	Mister Del Fiore
Ernesto Mahieux	...	Dottor. Zampino
Marcelo Benassi	...	Il Gatto (as Paride Benassai)
Giuseppe Sangiorgi	...	Uomo Olive
Alessandra Fazzino	...	Santa
Giuseppe Culino	...	Dottore (as Giuseppe Cutino)

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

mental retardation | ellis island new york city | italy | male full frontal nudity | pubic hair | 

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Taglines:

A remarkable vision. A dream of a better life. A romance that would change their lives forever.

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Genres:

Drama | History | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for brief graphic nudity

Details

Official Sites:

Miramax [United States] Official site

Country:

Italy France

Language:

Italian English Sicilian

Release Date:

22 September 2006 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Golden Door

Filming Locations:

Buenos Aires, Federal District, Argentina

Box Office

Budget:

EUR10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$27,744, 27 May 2007

Gross USA:

$1,070,769

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$7,228,273

Company Credits

Production Co:

Rai Cinema, Respiro, Memento Films Production

Technical Specs

Runtime:

118 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Vincent Schiavelli's character was supposed to be major in the movie; but unfortunately, Schiavelli died during the shooting of the film, and his character became a supporting character.

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Quotes

Lucy Reed: Madam? Madam. Could you lower your voice? I have a headache.
Fortunata Mancuso: Then have one! What do I care? Who does she think she is? This is the last thing I need. A journey like this ahead and she has a headache.

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Connections

Referenced in Che saccio (2008)

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Soundtracks

Feeling good
Traditional, Adapted and Performed by Nina Simone

User Reviews

Interesting but slow mini-epic

Golden Door is a miniature epic, tracking a Sicilian's family emigration to the USA. It starts much too slowly, and although characters are established, it is ill thought out - particularly the dream sequences, which could have provided an added insight.Once the action moves onto the voyage, however, and Charlotte Gainsbourg's character is introduced, an interesting story emerges, and this, combined with humorous touches, are what make the film bearable. It is well directed and shot, with the other lead character, Vincenzo Amato, also impressing.

3 / 5