Review of Song for a Raggy Boy (2003) by Miki O — 08 Jan 2009
The film begins with some flashbacks. In one of the scenes a Black man is shot for refusing to bow down to a cold, lifeless statue used to represent the compassionate humble Jewish woman, Miriam, virgin mother of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Catholicism.
Then the camera moves to an Irish Reformatory School, St Judes, where the boys experience harsh treatment in the hand of a priest prefect Brother John (Iain Glen). Their hopeless situation is alleviated after William Franklin (Aidan Quinn) arrives to accept his teaching appointment at the school.
Franklin is an inspiration for these boys' new found love in literature. At the same time the sexual abuse Patrick Delaney 743 (Chris Newman) receives from the paedophile priest Brother Mac (Marc Warren) continues.
Liam Mercier 636 (John Travers) at the end also dies from Brother John's erupting rage and violence.
This review of Song for a Raggy Boy (2003) was written by Miki O on 08 Jan 2009.
Song for a Raggy Boy has generally received very positive reviews.
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