Boy

87 minutes

New Zealand

It's 1984, and Michael Jackson is king-even in Waihau Bay, New Zealand. Here we meet Boy, an 11-year-old who lives on a farm with his gran, a goat, and his younger brother, Rocky (who thinks he has magic powers). Shortly after Gran leaves for a week, Boy's father, Alamein, appears out of the blue. Having imagined a heroic version of his father during his absence, Boy comes face to face with the real version-an incompetent hoodlum who has returned to find a bag of money he buried years before. This is where the goat enters.

82% on the CINEMETER

82% - Mar 18, 2012

Wow, very powerful movie! Human emotions were magnificently displayed. Great music and cinematography. Creative plot ideas.
Washington, DC Member

Really creative. Loved the Michael Jackson device and Boy's misunderstanding of the definition of potential.
Washington, DC Member

I liked the goat. Great death scene.
Washington, DC Member

93% - Mar 4, 2012

One of the best film we've seen: perfect combination of appreciating a slice of a totally unfamiliar culture, mixed with pathos, humor and innocence.
San Francisco Member

Humor needs heart - and this movie has heart. Great film, Funny, and the kids were amazing. Such an emotional ending - you can only hope that there is some redemption for the father with his kids,
San Francisco Member

Thoroughly enjoyable and charming - this is the kind of film that keeps me coming back to the Cinema Club. I loved seeing the Maori life and culture depicted in such a natural way.
San Francisco Member

MIL

80% - Feb 26, 2012

Wonderful little movie! Just makes you wonder how kids are adaptable when they have screwed up parents.
Milwaukee Member

The lead actor was delightful.
Milwaukee Member

Back story is interesting in that the director grew up in this area. Loved the use of graphics to suggest imagination.
Milwaukee Member

BOS

72% - Mar 18, 2012

Unique. Love Rocky. I loved this coming of age movie.
Boston Member

On of the best I've seen here. Can't think of any film that captures so well the nuances of sibling relationships or impact of westernized culture on indigenous culture. Exotic background.
Boston Member

Funny and sad at the same time. Fantastic faces. Delightful. Happy to be exposed to this dimension. Sweet movie, very well done. Children were wonderful. Very good acting. Good film, so much there and well done.
Boston Member

Paladin Films