Boy

Paladin (II) | Release Date: March 2, 2012

7.3	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 35 Ratings

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filmtrashreviewApr 15, 2012

The greatest Australian film ever made, Boy is both intelligent and outright funny. Comedy and Drama mixed in such a picture perfect way that this film will forever be in my heart. The lead roles filled by two New Zealand boys are pictureThe greatest Australian film ever made, Boy is both intelligent and outright funny. Comedy and Drama mixed in such a picture perfect way that this film will forever be in my heart. The lead roles filled by two New Zealand boys are picture perfect. It shows that talent can be found even in the smallest of places. I will go so far as to say that the main character is on a Brad Pitt level. This is a true independent film that raised over 100K on Kickstarter to force a US release. This is a must see but a hard find. Once you watch this film your take on overseas english filmmaking will be forever changed!!!… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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ReubenIsAGodApr 1, 2016

One of the best kiwi films out there. A true classic that really is a heart warming film about love, support and family. Id defintely recommend checking it out.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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SausageJun 3, 2012

This movie is amazing!!! It treads such a fine line that it really could have been a very different movie...but instead what we get is a beautiful coming of age story, with humour, sadness and a touch a touch of 'wes anderson' magic!!! I haveThis movie is amazing!!! It treads such a fine line that it really could have been a very different movie...but instead what we get is a beautiful coming of age story, with humour, sadness and a touch a touch of 'wes anderson' magic!!! I have sent this movie to all my friends overseas and I highly recommend you do the same!!! A gem like this needs to be experienced!!!… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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kiwineilApr 19, 2012

It's one of the best new zealand movies ever made! I had a pernament smile on my face through the whole movie. The Aussies dont make movies this funny.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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NZVideosMay 11, 2012

It is 1984, on the rural East Coast of New Zealand (Waihau Bay). Boy is an 11 year old dreamer who loves Michael Jackson and his father, Alamein. Boy imagines his father as a deep sea diver, war hero and a close relative of Michael Jackson.It is 1984, on the rural East Coast of New Zealand (Waihau Bay). Boy is an 11 year old dreamer who loves Michael Jackson and his father, Alamein. Boy imagines his father as a deep sea diver, war hero and a close relative of Michael Jackson. When Alamein return home, after seven years in jail, Boy is forced to confront the man he thought he remembered, find his own potential and learn to get along without the hero he had been hoping for. Although this film broke some New Zealand box office records, it is quite New Zealand and Maori oriented and much of its humor may be lost on non-kiwis. That said, it is worth experiencing.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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LegitSaltFeb 22, 2019

This New Zealand comedy follows a child who has lost his mom and idolizes his dad. And while this may not sound that interesting, the stylistic choices that Taika Waititi brings to the table really make it shine. At its core, Boy is a movieThis New Zealand comedy follows a child who has lost his mom and idolizes his dad. And while this may not sound that interesting, the stylistic choices that Taika Waititi brings to the table really make it shine. At its core, Boy is a movie about a child's maturation at the hands of his father's hands, but the undertones of extortion, nazism, and childhood misunderstanding really make is stand out. Before watching this movie, I did not know much about New Zealand, other than that it is that country near Australia, but after watching it, feel much more informed, it really drew an interesting picture of the small island. The poverty and social conflicts that were brushed upon in the movie were interesting, but they could have been touched upon more extensively. And the movie really uses animals quite well, and when the family pet dies, it is really quite an emotional scene. It was interesting to see how much the family relied upon the goat and its departure was a deep shock.
Although the movie is a comedy, it didn't really appeal to my comedic sense of humour, don't get me wrong, there were several scenes I found funny, just not as many as were intended. The dad, played by Taika Waititi, had several witty lines, and the writing of the comedy was well done as well. By using the main character's childish ignorance, and the father's false macho attitude, Waititi is able to write in lines with clever double meaning. If you enjoyed 'What They Do in the Shadows' or you want to learn more about New Zealand check this one out, its quite the romp.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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liamexeJan 25, 2023

A touching image of a youngster realising that his father is a human being rather than a deity. Every male will be aware of this point in their lives and be able to relate to the boy character right away.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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