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Golden Door is a poignant movie set in the early 1900s about a Sicilian family's journey to America. Directed by Emanuele Crialese, the film explores the challenges and hopes of the immigrants who were willing to do anything to create a better life for their families. The story starts with a poverty-stricken family, the Mancusos, who live in rural Sicily. Salvatore Mancuso (Vincenzo Amato), the head of the household, is a widower and a farmer. Despite his struggles to keep food on the table, he is determined to find a better life for his children, especially his son Angelo (Francesco Casisa), who is mute.

Salvatore hears stories of the "Golden Door" in America, a land of opportunity where there is plenty of work and no one goes hungry. He decides to take his family to America and starts selling everything he has to buy tickets for the voyage.

The family arrives at a bleak port-of-entry on Ellis Island, where Salvatore hoped to be welcomed and find his place in America. However, the reality is much different. They are subjected to invasive medical exams, degrading procedures, and questioning. Meanwhile, they're separated from their luggage, which holds their few belongings, including the family's most prized possession, a goat.

The film uses the journey to America as a metaphor for a personal and wider awakening as Salvatore tries to understand the meaning and purpose of life. For the first time in his life, he sees a steam engine, a cinematograph, and new cultures, which attract and confuse him.

Throughout the film, Salvatore is haunted by visions of his dead wife and the apparitions of saints, as if trying to make sense of his place in the world. Similarly, Angelo is haunted by visions of a young girl, whom he falls in love with, which add emotional depth to the story.

The family's journey to America is not without drama, Salvatore loses everything he has, and the family has to overcome challenges that test their unity in ways they never thought was possible. However, perseverance, love, and faith, help them continue the journey.

The movie is enhanced by stunning visuals, soulful music, and great performances by the actors, who bring the characters' struggles to life. Stunning landscapes of both the Sicilian countryside and the urban landscapes of America present a stark contrast between the two.

The story of Golden Door may seem like it's from a bygone era, but it is still incredibly relevant today. As a fresh wave of refugees and immigrants continues to make their way to new lands, seeking a better life for themselves, their stories are not that different from Salvatore's family. The film captures the hopes, dreams, and struggles of everyone who has ever stepped onto a ship or plane, hoping for a better life.

Overall, Golden Door is a beautifully crafted film that captures the spirit of adventure, perseverance, and hope. It is an exploration of the human experience and every emotion that comes with it, making it a must-see for anyone who enjoys movies that create an emotional and visceral impact.

Golden Door is a 2007 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 74.