Review of Boy A (2008) by Menachem H — 30 Sep 2008
A harsh adjusting-to-society-after-committing-a-crime movie with a stellar performance from the lead actor.
It is interesting and somewhat schizophrenic to follow the story from the perspective of the killer. The conflict comes from the fact that on the other hand the perpetrator deserves all the agony in the world, but on the other hand maybe some people deserve another chance. Andrew Garfield is able to play his character in such a way that you inevitably have some sympathy for him, in my case a helluva lot of sympathy. He has deservedly won an award in several film festivals for his role.
This movie shows very well the difficulties one might had in adjusting to society after a lengthy prison sentence. Secrecy is needed for survival and that can gnaw away at anyone. Naturally, people find out who he is in the end and that leads to monumental difficulties when the hard-earned new life is erased in an instant.
Depressing, like so many touching movies nowadays, but I dug it. Extremely lifelike characters and situations enhance the drama. Too bad most killers are not like Jack in real life. Okay, almost not any killer probably is even close to Jack in real life. Great English by the way. Fuck, I'll take it.
This review of Boy A (2008) was written by Menachem H on 30 Sep 2008.
Boy A has generally received very positive reviews.
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