Review of Boy (2012) by Jhon E — 28 Feb 2012

Boy, I rarely see independent films, but I thought I would check it out and go to the independent film theatre. I am not a fan of New Zealand films, more or less, because not a lot of good movies have come out, and their accents annoy me. Luckily, this one pulled through, without getting annoying.

Boy follows a boy, I cannot remember his real name, it was a traditional name (long, obscure). Anyway, his grandmother leaves for a week or two, and he takes care of his family at the age of eleven. He has a brother called Rocky, and about three or four younger cousins. He idolises his dad after his mother died, but he is in jail, but he does not like to admit it. After a while, his father returns, with a few friends as well. His dad's motives on returning seem strange, and while boy loves his dad and everything he does, he begins to see that maybe he is not as great as he thought he was.

The plot was great, it may sound like a sad movie, but it is actually very funny. I had seen a few short films and one feature film by the same director (Eagle vs. Shark). I was not greatly impressed, but this movie shows that he is the best New Zealand director currently. The movie was very funny, using either whity acting and just daggy people, or clever transitions and shot changes. An example would be when his dad and friends first come, they talk in the car, and then Boy asks if they want some tea. They say yes, a shot change, and they are all sitting in the car drinking tea. Do not get me wrong, this is also a very sad movie. It does not quite bring a tear to your eyes (and no I am not saying I have not cried in a movie, I have, I just cannot remember which ones), but it does get you sad. I will give a little hint, people who do not like animal deaths, prepare to cry.

The cinema photography/directing is very good. The area is very bland and urban, but it looks very good and shot superbly. There are also some transitions although rare of drawings. Rocky believes he has super powers, and sometimes when he tries to do a power, like make a bus crash, it does not happen, but it cuts to a drawing wear it shows the bus crashing. These little drawings were very good and charming.

Overall, a fantastic New Zealand film that is gritty and realistic, yet elegant cinema photography/direction makes a perfect blend of drama and comedy. This is an independent gem, and will make me want to see a lot more films of this type (genre and 'independence'). I would recommend to all movie lovers, especially independent film lovers.