Boyhood

10

luislmfMar 3, 2015

Boyhood through simplicity achieved something that decades of movies didnt: give an unpretentious opinion about humanity and life.
Congratulations and thank you for this awesome movie.

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8

kevinpark14Aug 25, 2014

Great film. I loved almost everything about it. I wasn't as much about the end as I was with the rest of the film, but it was overall amazing. Would definitely recommend.

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8

rricetalksOct 3, 2014

For those of you who don’t know by this time, Richard Linklater’s film Boyhood started principal photography 12 years ago. And, over the course of those 12 years, Richard Linklater kept returning to his actors, Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette,For those of you who don’t know by this time, Richard Linklater’s film Boyhood started principal photography 12 years ago. And, over the course of those 12 years, Richard Linklater kept returning to his actors, Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette, his real-life daughter Lorelei Linklater, and new-comer Ellar Coltrane, who was 6 years old when the filming started, to craft a story over time about the challenges of a family growing up and changing as the parents try to survive and raise their children in the world. The film is long, clocking in at almost three hours.
The act of filming a story over 12 years creates challenges of its own that standard film schedules avoid. And one of the most remarkable things of the film is the manner in which passing time and the aging of the characters has been handled. There are no jarring jump cuts forward in time. No supers imposed on the screen to tell us it’s 2004. Or 2008. No jump cuts into the middle of the expected and well-worn rites of passage, the traditional indicators that mark the progression of life. High School graduation, College, first loves. There is so much more as each sequence slips into the next that the aging of the characters becoming almost incidental.
This is not a film that is concerned with the paradigms of Hollywood story structure as taught by screenwriting books. This is a film whose story structure and form has more in common with a documentary than it does with the traditional form of family drama. This is not the family dramas of the fifties and the sixties wherein some dark family secret has to be exorcised out from the family closet and dragged into the light of truth. This is a family drama that doesn’t plays itself out so much as just piles itself on event by event in continuous layers. Quite possibly, docudrama has finally found its true definition.
The film’s story starts with Olivia (Patricia Arquette) struggling as a single mother to bring up and support her two young children, Mason and Samantha. Money is always an issue for this young family and, in the opening of the film, it is clear the children’s father is absent. The issues of the material well being of the family are contrasted and played out against the family’s emotional needs and well being.
Mason Sr. returns from working in Alaska after being absent for a year and a half. The true nature of Mason Sr.’s role as the children’s father during his year and a half absence seems to be left intentionally ambiguous. The clashes between the two parents early in the film over past issues are also left deliberately vague. The mother and father don't play out the roles of protagonist and antagonist as they fight over their children. Richard Linklater has deliberately avoided that in favor of a storyline that is much broader than those story strictures would allow. It isn’t easy to pick a villain and a hero between the parents in this story. There are other villains that appear and disappear throughout the long arc of this film but the parents seem to grow closer and develop a respect for each other as they pursue independent lives.
This isn’t a story where the main character has a dream and pursues it. This is a story where characters have their dreams and must abandon them for their own good and the good of others.
It is evident that Mason’s father comes to maturation slowly. He is still a “boy” in the beginning of the film struggling to hold onto his adolescent ambitions of being a song writer and a musician while the demands of fatherhood pressure him to give up that pursuit . In the end, the best he can do is hand down the remnants of his adolescent ambitions to his son.But even in Mason Sr.’s delayed growth to full adulthood, there is value to be had. The still-alive boy in Mason Sr. allows him to connect to his children emotionally in a very vital and important way.
His willingness and demand to connect to his children on their emotional level and to feed his own emotional needs with theirs contrasts sharply with the disciplinarian and authoritarian figures of Mason’s stepfathers.
In this, the destructive power of misunderstood masculinity is on display in the role of fatherhood.
There is a dramatic circular parallel between Mason Sr. and Mason Jr. at the end of the film because all of this may well be the same for Mason. We leave Mason at the end of the film at the age of 18, one foot still in boyhood and one foot firmly on the path of his adult life. He is now studying to be a photographer in College and it remains to be seen as to whether or not he will be able to pursue his artistic ambitions or will he repeat the cycle of his father, relenting his artistic ambitions late in life by the necessities of survival.… Expand

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7

smd9Jan 14, 2015

I saw this movie because of all the hype, and while it is pretty fascinating to see the kids grow up in the film and be played by the same people, that's basically all the film has going for it. The story, while not necessarily bad, isn'tI saw this movie because of all the hype, and while it is pretty fascinating to see the kids grow up in the film and be played by the same people, that's basically all the film has going for it. The story, while not necessarily bad, isn't particularly interesting either. It's just the life of a boy, and many scenes will leave you wondering "what was the point of showing that?".

It's worth seeing for the novelty of being shot over 12 years, but that's about it.… Expand

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7

NerdConsultantNov 22, 2014

the film is very well put together and is a remarkable achievement in film making and i'll admit is a good movie and i enjoyed it but i would like a bit more of an actual plot rather than the concept of life itself. it has very good dialoguethe film is very well put together and is a remarkable achievement in film making and i'll admit is a good movie and i enjoyed it but i would like a bit more of an actual plot rather than the concept of life itself. it has very good dialogue and the charters very well played i feel like this is a real family. but i felt it was too long and with little plot i didn't feel as invested as i could be… Expand

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9

Le__XenomorphJan 19, 2015

Probably the most realistic family movie ever made. You literally grow up with the actors as the movie took 12 years to make and you can see a huge transition in the actor's ages. Boyhood is an instant and heartwarming classic that tells aProbably the most realistic family movie ever made. You literally grow up with the actors as the movie took 12 years to make and you can see a huge transition in the actor's ages. Boyhood is an instant and heartwarming classic that tells a grand story about a boy's life. 9/10 (Awesome)… Expand

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8

martins1977Jan 6, 2015

una gran pelicula, con condimentos de todo tipo, mas alla del formato, nuevo y la paciencia de todo el elenco mas el director que innovo en todo sentido, muy recomendable.

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10

EntreeFeb 22, 2015

It's probably one of the most, if not the most ambitious indie film in recent memory. It has a very natural feel to it, almost like watching a documentary, without being boring. It's definitely a film that I enjoyed watching immensely. WellIt's probably one of the most, if not the most ambitious indie film in recent memory. It has a very natural feel to it, almost like watching a documentary, without being boring. It's definitely a film that I enjoyed watching immensely. Well done Linklater, well done.… Expand

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10

ThisGuy2060Jun 11, 2015

The fact that the movie is so mundane is part of it's charm. The film does a good job of presenting the beauty in the things that we often take for granted. This is honestly about as natural of a film as they come, nothing feels contrived about it.

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10

Jk9785May 22, 2017

Nearly flawless. This movie was my favorite of 2014. The only flaw is that it is looooooooooonnnnngggg. However, it's performances and characters are certainly enough to keep you invested through its 2 hr, 45 minute runtime. If you have threeNearly flawless. This movie was my favorite of 2014. The only flaw is that it is looooooooooonnnnngggg. However, it's performances and characters are certainly enough to keep you invested through its 2 hr, 45 minute runtime. If you have three hours to spare, take a look at this masterpiece.… Expand

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10

azhar_Dec 30, 2017

this movie is amazing, very beautiful, and natural, one of the best movie ever, very recommended movie to watch and to understand.

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10

CalvinCrackAug 13, 2014

It's hard to award this movie less than a perfect score, even though it isn't a perfect movie. It works so well for what it is, and is such a thoroughly enjoyable work of art, that it should be impervious to the judgment you'd pass on aIt's hard to award this movie less than a perfect score, even though it isn't a perfect movie. It works so well for what it is, and is such a thoroughly enjoyable work of art, that it should be impervious to the judgment you'd pass on a normal film. As it stands, Boyhood is a collection of mostly great scenes which cause you to laugh, tear up, or reflect on your own life. I saw the movie with my my sister and after it was all over she said to me "That was mostly a comedy." And to my surprise I agreed. But all the humor is so organic that it sneaks up on you, and I could say the same for the dramatic bits as well.… Expand

5 of 16 users found this helpful511

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9

csw12Jan 11, 2015

The strength of Boyhood is how real it felt, every conversation, every scene and every moment. Ambitious, ground-breaking and truly something special.

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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10

amboyAug 24, 2014

A remarkable project brought superbly to fruition. The auteur, Linklater, could not have known where this twelve year project would take him, and this leads to a film of remarkable spontaneity and urgency. What emerges is a portrait of aA remarkable project brought superbly to fruition. The auteur, Linklater, could not have known where this twelve year project would take him, and this leads to a film of remarkable spontaneity and urgency. What emerges is a portrait of a young man who has grown up seeing how his parents live and determined not to repeat their mistakes. The actors do their best film work ever. And the sense of how things change in a society you grow up in is finely observed. The whole thing has the flavor of French cinema verite at its absolute best.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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10

disorrisoSep 13, 2014

This is, right there, a top 5 movie in my opinion. It express from the normal issues to the most delicate of them and it feels good to watch. I just can't believe how ingenious the creator is, I mean this is history of art being made just inThis is, right there, a top 5 movie in my opinion. It express from the normal issues to the most delicate of them and it feels good to watch. I just can't believe how ingenious the creator is, I mean this is history of art being made just in front of us. I belive my point is that I want to thank you all who have participated in the creation of this masterpiece, this kind of thing that keeps me believing in humankind.… Expand

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10

SimpleMethodAug 5, 2014

I just saw it tonight, don't quite have the words to summarize how in love I am with it, but I certainly am. It's **** fantastic and the most truly original movie I've seen in quite some time.

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10

Enforcer122Aug 14, 2014

What a profound film. Amazing scope, vision and creativity to do this. I've never seen anything like this before. Even though the story is reasonably normal, the story you see and the characters along the way feel so absolutely real, I had toWhat a profound film. Amazing scope, vision and creativity to do this. I've never seen anything like this before. Even though the story is reasonably normal, the story you see and the characters along the way feel so absolutely real, I had to remind myself it was just a film multiple times. A massive achievement in film, in my opinion.… Expand

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9

ryanneevmanAug 25, 2014

Even though he does succeed in doing so, Linklater's goal is not to impress, but rather tell a story about an average boy's life, and tell a story he sure does.

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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10

papeadojhonDec 17, 2014

Maravillosa, impresionante y excelente, Boyhood es una película que sin duda quedará en la historia, es una increíble inspección al crecimiento de la mayoría de los niños hoy en día. Además también cuenta con un muy talentoso elenco queMaravillosa, impresionante y excelente, Boyhood es una película que sin duda quedará en la historia, es una increíble inspección al crecimiento de la mayoría de los niños hoy en día. Además también cuenta con un muy talentoso elenco que ofrecen actuaciones de primera.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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10

keith-sJan 14, 2015

Amazing. The arc of a boy's childhood from ages 6 through 18 is portrayed in real-life-feeling events. They are dramatic in the way signposts and experiences in our own lives are, and not in the way movies generally create drama (violence,Amazing. The arc of a boy's childhood from ages 6 through 18 is portrayed in real-life-feeling events. They are dramatic in the way signposts and experiences in our own lives are, and not in the way movies generally create drama (violence, disasters, etc). I love director Richard Linklater's 'Before Trilogy' and I waited for this movie with great anticipation. It did not disappoint. The acting was top-notch across the board. If you want a unique and satisfying movie, this is it.… Expand

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10

RoulerAug 1, 2014

Esta clase de peliculas son las que te hacen profundizar sobre diversos aspectos de tu vida y a la vez son un gran respiro para los amantes del buen cine.

No digo que no sean entretenidos los blockbusters para pasar un buen rato conEsta clase de peliculas son las que te hacen profundizar sobre diversos aspectos de tu vida y a la vez son un gran respiro para los amantes del buen cine.

No digo que no sean entretenidos los blockbusters para pasar un buen rato con explociones, guerras y guiones sin sentido adornados con muchos efectos especiales que es lo que los grandes estudios de hollywood normalmente nos ofrecen cada verano.

Por eso Boyhood me parecio tan fascinante un proyecto genial, lleno de momentos e imagenes de espectacular belleza que te hacen reflexionar, pensar y hasta profundizar por la cadencia que tiene el film y sobre todo porque no cae en formulas sencillas para hacer sobresaltar al espectador, sino más bien una propuesta solida, profunda y a la vez sencilla, en pocas pallabras ¡¡¡me encanto la pelicula!!!… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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10

SeanGamerDaysAug 15, 2014

I was really proud of Richard Linklater works. It's really a biggest, sad, great, and the best-of-the-best movies, i ever watched! I cry alot like watching "The Fault in Our Stars" (too late for doing that review, but whatever...). If thereI was really proud of Richard Linklater works. It's really a biggest, sad, great, and the best-of-the-best movies, i ever watched! I cry alot like watching "The Fault in Our Stars" (too late for doing that review, but whatever...). If there is 1000/1000, I will give this good movie a 1000 score, but man, i think thats too much.....… Expand

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9

JohnnyScumbagJul 20, 2014

The movie is fantastic, needless to say. As a person who grew up during the same time frame, it was like seeing bits of my childhood come to life and leading into college which I am in now. The authenticity is perfect as it was shot duringThe movie is fantastic, needless to say. As a person who grew up during the same time frame, it was like seeing bits of my childhood come to life and leading into college which I am in now. The authenticity is perfect as it was shot during the actual years it's depicting in the film. However the political propaganda could have been excluded from the film for the sake of social/political differences. There were a few bits of social propaganda as well such as the depiction of a "confederate flag waving anti-democrat southerner." But all in all the film was fantastic. I felt the depiction of the children was a little stereotypical as well. Not every teenager is a pop-singing, drug taking, beer chugging, soulless, mumbling, whatever-attitude, sex starved, anti-parent child. In fact, most of them don't fit that depiction. I was hoping for a different and more realistic depiction of teenagers from this movie. I only give the film a 9 for those two reasons for which I usually take 3-4 marks off, however this film started with a 12 rating because of its innovation and uniqueness. Will definitely go down as a classic in cinema.… Expand

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8

doctor_rudeAug 18, 2014

It's a unique movie for sure. An impressive 12 year, or so, project. After it was all said and done, I thought the film was pretty good. I was not blown away at all. I'd maybe give it a 7.5. A little long, I started to doze off towards theIt's a unique movie for sure. An impressive 12 year, or so, project. After it was all said and done, I thought the film was pretty good. I was not blown away at all. I'd maybe give it a 7.5. A little long, I started to doze off towards the end. My wife and I were the only ones in the whole theater. I don't think many people are going to see this film, because no one is aware it exists.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

jgzegerJan 31, 2015

You can count me among those who think this movie is over-rated. Don't get me wrong, it's a good movie, but if this is the best movie of the year then there isn't much for me to look forward too. On the plus side, kudos to Richard LinklaterYou can count me among those who think this movie is over-rated. Don't get me wrong, it's a good movie, but if this is the best movie of the year then there isn't much for me to look forward too. On the plus side, kudos to Richard Linklater for making a well-directed film, but what really is the point of the whole exercise -- to make a movie that was shot over a period of 12 years with the same actors in the end as where there in the beginning? Well, that's quite a feat I admit, but it doesn't automatically translate to an entertaining film. I guess it helps to be a parent which I'm not. You can hold that against me if you like.… Expand

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9

geedupDec 2, 2014

I can't say more than the opther nearly 600 reviews have not said about this movie. I liked the premise of the movie, which I don't remember seeing/knowing about-same cast for multi years as they grow up in a movie. Also I liked Ethan's roleI can't say more than the opther nearly 600 reviews have not said about this movie. I liked the premise of the movie, which I don't remember seeing/knowing about-same cast for multi years as they grow up in a movie. Also I liked Ethan's role in the movie as well as the mother's changes in the movie. What I didn't like, or expected more of (thus the 9 rating) was better acting. The main character/boy, along with others, couldn't seem to pull off any thing-like crying or anger. None the less I will keep this one in my movie collection.… Expand

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7

francisrgoDec 7, 2014

The movie is about the reflection of time and how people live their daily lives. It focuses on how we manage pain and love. Though regrettably the only thing I find wrong about the movie is over more than a decade Olivia Evans, played byThe movie is about the reflection of time and how people live their daily lives. It focuses on how we manage pain and love. Though regrettably the only thing I find wrong about the movie is over more than a decade Olivia Evans, played by Patricia Arquette, has never really learned or come to terms her mistakes and past. The movie is done over 12 years and wouldn't in that time frame she have learned anything.… Expand

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9

the_dude81Sep 18, 2014

First thing to know about this movie is that it is different. And I'm not talking about being filmed over 12 years with the same actors. More importantly, this movie is extremely understated and there is no discernible plot besides 12 yearsFirst thing to know about this movie is that it is different. And I'm not talking about being filmed over 12 years with the same actors. More importantly, this movie is extremely understated and there is no discernible plot besides 12 years in the life of a boy and his family. Thus, there are no arcs and climaxes - this movies IS plodding, as some have described it. This movie is first and foremost about life and in being so moves at the pace of life - not the pace of a hollywood blockbuster.

That's not to say there is no rhyme or reason to this movie. There is no defined plot but the scenes are not random. The movie is a collection of vignettes which build on each other and important aspects of life are all there but none of them are so overwhelming to replace the central theme which is simply life. In this sense, Boyhood is a profound achievement.

I finished watching this movie with a lingering and deep sense of emotion and reflection. I don't really know how to describe it but I feel like every other movie I've watched before this one was relatively contrived or overproduced. I think this is the power of this movie.… Expand

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7

GetbusylivingAug 20, 2014

It was an okay movie, I enjoyed watching it. But it isnt that great by any stretch. If you've seen any of the Before Sunrise Trilogy you should know what to expect. The implications of the subject matter are preachy, even if I happen to agreeIt was an okay movie, I enjoyed watching it. But it isnt that great by any stretch. If you've seen any of the Before Sunrise Trilogy you should know what to expect. The implications of the subject matter are preachy, even if I happen to agree with most of what's been said. I'm sure it will win a ton of awards but in my opinion its nothing special.… Expand

6 of 29 users found this helpful623

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10

fiabegJul 30, 2014

One of the aspects of the movie that is very interesting: Growing up in a broken family, Mason lives constant stressful interactions with his parents and stepfathers. Many times adults are in their own world and they have little empathy. HeOne of the aspects of the movie that is very interesting: Growing up in a broken family, Mason lives constant stressful interactions with his parents and stepfathers. Many times adults are in their own world and they have little empathy. He doesn't like it. He has to cope.
On the other hand he has very nice moments with his father who tries hard to be the best parent he can be. The mother tries too but it is a different story. Also we see some nice family gatherings.
Beautiful movie that makes the audience experience the process of growing up.
Richard Linklater took twelve years to shoot this film. This is breakthrough, something that has never done before,truly a master piece.… Expand

2 of 10 users found this helpful28

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8

dierregiAug 13, 2014

I am usually not a big fan of "documentary style" movies, which are an excuse for sloppy scriptwriting, poor editing and bad photography. Following the life of a boy from primary school until college may easily have fallen into the category,I am usually not a big fan of "documentary style" movies, which are an excuse for sloppy scriptwriting, poor editing and bad photography. Following the life of a boy from primary school until college may easily have fallen into the category, but it has none of the above problems.

The main character is Mason Jr. (Ellar Coltrane) literally "growing up in public". Arquette plays mom Olivia and Hawke is dad Mason Sr. Annoying Lorelei Linklater (the director's daughter) plays sister Sam. The script moves swiftly through some important moments in Mason Jr.'s life from age 6. Dad is often absent and has problems accepting "real" life, such as a normal job which would not fulfil his dream of becoming a famous musician. Mom tries to improve family life and fails, marrying an abusive drunkard professor.
Mason Jr. is relocated a couple of times, losing his childhood friends and going through the difficulties of adolescence, compounded by mom's divorce, new job and new boyfriend.

However, the best part of the movie for me was the normalcy of the situations. No super-drama, just ordinary life with the usual disappointments and small traumas (bullying at school, first love, etc…)
Luckily we are spared Mason Jr.'s first sexual experience and explanations about what is going on in his head. We observe him and may be reminded of episodes from our own childhood, such as why our parents made us play the "game of silence". Anybody can find a familiar episode, which will probably remind us that there is just a limited number of "first" experiences in our life.

Coltrane is fine as the young introverted boy, but I started to dislike him as a gloomy adolescent. I am not sure which part of it was acting. The scene with Mason Jr. and his girlfriend walking around Austin a whole night might have been an ideal link with the "Before" series, unfortunately Coltrane does not have much of the charisma and acting skills of Hawke.

Finally, the first 2/3 of the movie move smoothly, but the story gets stuck towards the end, just when morose teenage Mason Jr. gets most screen time. Contrary to the "Before" series, I am definitely not interested in a follow-up.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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7

prabhuSep 25, 2014

The name 'boyhood' is kind of misleading although the movie's shown
only about the boyhood of Mason until he goes for his graduation to some college and get interested in photography.
Critics really liked more than people do! Because theThe name 'boyhood' is kind of misleading although the movie's shown
only about the boyhood of Mason until he goes for his graduation to some college and get interested in photography.
Critics really liked more than people do! Because the project had
enough risks for a successful execution but Richard Linklater did it,
its really something that have never seen before something unique and
risky. From 2002 to 2013 total of 45 days of shooting until the boy
grew up from his age 7 to 18. Such a long contract with the crew and if
Richard dies then who'd manage the such long project! Of course Ethan
Hawke, one of Richard's favorites but Linklatet did it. It shows what
happens to our life with every passing time and according to him
nothing. You grow up, you struggle, you baffled, you are taken care of
then fall in love, get married, have kids..and what happens? Life goes
on...but nothing really happens. To illustrate this he took the life of
a 7 years kid, Coltrane and changed his name to Mason in the movie. I
like Ethan Hawke, he's the first choice of Richard's movies especially
for his before sunrise series, most of Richard's movies which are
usually dramatic so Ethane was perfect to be a jobless dad who tries to
direct the right path for his son and every year with Coltrane he shot
the movie.

I really like the father-son scenes in which they talk about everything
and Mason gets advices from his father. They talked about movies like
star wars if there's a possibility of it to another one and that
happened too, what they predicted in 2008 that came true!!, brilliant.
Excellent achievement of the director and how realistic the movie
is,what a potential remains in the movie! 12 year project doesn't or
couldn't contain some top rated actors especially the theme
character,Mason. Coltrane was a risky, unpredictable one. I can't say
he did that great as the movie deserves but It was such a great risk if
the main character would have failed! But he did well not like the
growing characters of harry potter movies but OK for the slow soothing
unpredictable 12 years project. Various changes in a decade can happen!
That altered number of changes to Mason, in her character, attitude.
Except him even in our life cool electronics stuffs like no one uses
the old phones or old vintage saloon cars new smartphones and beautiful
cars are everywhere. His dad finally sells his Pontiac GTO although he
loves that! There's something called emotional attachment, kids are
like that! Especially kids are attached, so Mason stared a horrible
perplexed look at his dad's most loved car when he sold that so he
could by a new car for his son when he turns to 16. Again, a baffled
look while her mother meets the professor, Bill and talks like she's
getting attached to him Why does that happen? Doesn't dad love his mom,
but its the responsibility the capability that control's you and like
every creatures on the earth human too get attached to those who can
give them a better environment and then what happens? Nothing! Life
goes on. This is the most important essence the movie stands upon.
Nothing really happens in the movie. His mom then gets married to
another guy till she stands upon her own feet becomes what she wanted
to be and then in the ends she asks what shall happen to her, she
sacrificed most of his life for her kids and in the end what happens to
her? Of course, the answer is nothing. But 2hr 45min can be really boring if you're not that into drama movies or even if you are you can still feel it because of this boring but true factor 'nothing'. There isn't anything in the storyline to be entertained or inspiring but the direction and the labour in the movie, the time it took the pain isn't that possible for every directors. Its a new style a unique and significant one of movie direction. That's what everyone loves about. The story isn't epic rather boring, the actors aren't that great rather unknown, the movie is what that everyone's life is about, nothing but the project is fascinating yet magnificent by Richard Linklater.… Expand

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10

bleedsblue96Jan 4, 2015

People who call this movie boring need to learn that not all movies are supposed to appeal to the viewer through action, sex, or second rate space travel with love and emotions. This is one of the realist movies since Shawshank RedemptionPeople who call this movie boring need to learn that not all movies are supposed to appeal to the viewer through action, sex, or second rate space travel with love and emotions. This is one of the realist movies since Shawshank Redemption that I can deem perfect. It captures the life and world around Mason along with him, as he grows he is constantly changing, adapting, molding into the person he thinks and might finally believe he wants to be. Not to mention being accepted, before the final act hurting him deeply and causing him to question what he really is, before realizing that in life, you not only seize a perfect moment, but it seizes you.… Expand

2 of 33 users found this helpful231

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8

oDjentoJan 27, 2015

This definitely is film history and one people should watch. It may not be the most exciting film to watch, or the most interesting, but as i found with the film Inside Llyewn Davis it is a nice and pleasant viewing experience. And that'sThis definitely is film history and one people should watch. It may not be the most exciting film to watch, or the most interesting, but as i found with the film Inside Llyewn Davis it is a nice and pleasant viewing experience. And that's what this film is: an experience. The 12 years of filming works meticulously well and really helps develop the characters as real people. The film is about growing up, and the reason the message and work comes across so well is because that's literally what happens: they grow up. Other films that try this with different actors don't really work and you find them a little too boring or sentimental, but this film works with the growing up mechanic so well that you can really relate to the film even if you don't follow a life like the one portrayed in the film. I must say the acting is pretty solid pretty much from the get go, but the character Sam i found a little bit obvious as not being a real person. However, all the other actora felt genuine, and that's why i felt i connected with this film. A must watch.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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10

JKN145Feb 10, 2015

I personally think Boyhood is an amazing film. The performances were so lifelike, and the characters were so heartbreakingly real. However, your enjoyment of this very distinctive film really hinges on your personal tastes in cinema. If youI personally think Boyhood is an amazing film. The performances were so lifelike, and the characters were so heartbreakingly real. However, your enjoyment of this very distinctive film really hinges on your personal tastes in cinema. If you can appreciate quiet, intimate, introspective character studies, like 'Lost in Translation,' 'The Kids Are All Right,' or Linklater's own 'Before' trilogy, then you'll probably find a lot to love in 'Boyhood.' If those kinds of movies aren't your cup of tea, then likely neither will this movie.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

ydnar4Jan 23, 2015

Its nice to see that movies can still be critically acclaimed by the media and still be enjoyed by the general public. Boyhood is a movie that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It had to believe that a project like this could be pulled offIts nice to see that movies can still be critically acclaimed by the media and still be enjoyed by the general public. Boyhood is a movie that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It had to believe that a project like this could be pulled off over 12 years. Ellar Coltrane was great throughout this movie. It would be neat if this movie is the only thing he does. He really shows what its like to be a growing male. I found many aspects of his life that we similar to events in my own life. Ethan Hawke was great also as the father. I'm going to say that this is the best thing he's ever done. Ethan Hawke is a bad that you wish everyone had. Richard Linklater has pulled off a movie that has captured a point in time and although it may not be relevant forever it will be one of the most significant movies of this period of time. Linklater even did so while casting his own daughter with little experience in one of the lead roles. I would be 100% happy with Boyhood winning best picture this year and I wouldn't be shocked if it does.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

borderlinefilmsFeb 4, 2015

Phenomenal

When you think back to Slackers you remember how easy that movie flowed. How comfortably it drifted. Just go with it. Let it happen, live in the moment. Then there's the Before trilogy which again seemed effortless andPhenomenal

When you think back to Slackers you remember how easy that movie flowed. How comfortably it drifted. Just go with it. Let it happen, live in the moment. Then there's the Before trilogy which again seemed effortless and free-flowing yet constructed with so much care that you knew this filmmaker was not only unusual, but acutely human. That he cherished experience and learning and submitted to the eternal present, surrendering to and tinkering with fate, while tending to the perpetually immediate situation with enormous sensitivity and regard.

But nothing could prepare you for Boyhood. You can't overstate the fact that it's a grand free-flowing time-lapse experiment and that most of the actors--no not actors, not performers--most of the people were cast when the central figure was a very young boy, looking up at the sky, having no idea how his future would unfold. The world might be a stage but Richard Linkater is not omnipotent. As a definitive work-in-progress, a daring collaboration with fate and destiny, who could really know how the boy's script was going to turn out, and how the wide array of voices in his life would shape him as he stumbles toward adulthood? Only a true sure-footed and fluid filmmaker, an authentic disarming innovator could raise this baby with as much beauty and wisdom. Dazed and Confused? Make room for Clear and Composed.

Hear the lamb howl. Boyhood is a daring experimental wolf wrapped in conventional wool. Needing to be shot chronologically, the linear time-line and 12-year shooting schedule called for a fresh and original approach to crafting a movie. If something went wrong during the many long gaps in production, say, if an actor suddenly became unavailable, or some drastic circumstance threatened to break the continuity of the boy and his family's life, there's no going back to re-shoot. No relying on special effects make-up or casting young and old versions of a character. The faith invested in this concept and the delicate handling of it's execution is a marvel to witness, blooming before our eyes.

Patricia Arquette was growing up too. Aging faster than Ellar Coltrane, it appeared. This movie defies breaking up into a series of disjointed, episodic fragments. And Arquette stitches together an admirable and dedicated performance as the ubiquitous maternal defender who struggles to keep herself and her family from falling apart. Because of the blur between fiction and reality, between drama and documentary, and because of the way Linklater is able to nurture the process and allow his films to take on a life of their own, Arquette may not be acting on set any more than she has to in real life. A slight adjustment in perspective and this movie could have been called Motherhood.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

longjetty7Apr 2, 2015

An absolutely incredible film, and probably one of my favorites ever. This is cinematic realism at its absolute finest. Everything about it, the characters, their conversations, and their mundane everyday experiences are captured in a wayAn absolutely incredible film, and probably one of my favorites ever. This is cinematic realism at its absolute finest. Everything about it, the characters, their conversations, and their mundane everyday experiences are captured in a way that mimics real life like no other film I've ever seen, not to mention watching the characters literally grow up before your eyes is surreal and deeply fascinating. This movie is basically just a bunch of scenes documenting this kid's life, some of which will make you laugh, make you sad, make you nostalgic, make you hopeful, etc. There really is no overarching plot, but nonetheless, I feel like I could have sat through another 3 hours of this movie! The acting is also some of the most natural and effortless I've ever seen. The characters seem strangely familiar in everything they say and do, which I suppose is the point. Overall, Boyhood leaves you feeling satisfied and somewhat in awe at how incredible our lives are once you put things into perspective.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

vy7478Jan 22, 2015

Truly amazing movie. It really reflects my life and the more you think about it the deeper the movie gets. Definitely a masterpiece by Linklater. If you think this movie is boring then you really don't know how to enjoy one.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

GameExplorerFeb 2, 2015

A boy that love woman in swimwear. Here you can learn how to get your girlfriend. If you like teen movies than this one is for you... The name of movie may not be so interesting....

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

Arthur_S_PoeFeb 11, 2015

An absolute must-see, Linklater's 'Boyhood' is a unique movie in every aspect. It offers a lot to the viewer, but it also demands quite an effort to be fully comprehended. Full of a variety of cultural references and a very specific zeitgeistAn absolute must-see, Linklater's 'Boyhood' is a unique movie in every aspect. It offers a lot to the viewer, but it also demands quite an effort to be fully comprehended. Full of a variety of cultural references and a very specific zeitgeist atmosphere, this movie is a profound and aesthetically perfect epic dedicated to life itself.

Linklater's hyperrealism is something that contributes to the magic of the film itself. It is not a movie, it is a story about a boy, his development inside the boiling cauldron we all call life, his struggles, both external and internal and, ultimately, his victory over life itself as MJ comes out stronger and more mature. You never actually perceive it to be a movie, rather a story of a boy you're witnessing first hand, either as a direct participant or a third-person observer, but always within the story itself, never distancing yourself back to the sofa or seat you're actually in. All the actors are brilliantly adapted to their roles, never over-acting or showing signs of egoistical vanity, dedicated to both the idea of the film itself and the story of Mason Evans, Jr., the main protagonist of the film itself.

Finally, the aesthetics of the film is stunning. The technical details, a well-made choice of scenery and moment, the authentic presentation of a human emotion that just flows through you via the screen like you're actually there and captures you fully, forcing you to relieve that same emotion, via nostalgia or anything else, within yourself - all of that and much more contributes to that specific aesthetic moment that is 'Boyhood'. Because, it really is just a moment, a moment of 12 years compressed into three hours, but so rich and fantastic that it is much more than just a cinematic experience, much more than just a movie.

'Boyhood' is an absolute master-piece, a work of art in every sense of the work, elevating the often pompous and overly self-worthy genre of art films and elevating the cinematic experience as a whole. A story that must be seen, carefully, remembered and loved. It reached the status of a classic immediately, surely to be remembered in history and is, certainly, one of the best movies ever made and one of the best stories ever told.… Expand

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10

flylexMay 22, 2017

The director's biggest play, Richard Linklater, was 12 to finalize the film. Focused on the character named Mason from his sixteen-eighteenth year, the great difference of the film is to see the actors poisoning naturally during the yearsThe director's biggest play, Richard Linklater, was 12 to finalize the film. Focused on the character named Mason from his sixteen-eighteenth year, the great difference of the film is to see the actors poisoning naturally during the years that pass by. Very gratifying to see the evolution of each character during the lapéis of time this makes the movie true, alive. The mother of the mason played by Patricia Arquette does a great job with the evolution and the physical and mental disengagement of the character in the beginning for example she wants To do college, then to be a teacher. The father of the mason played by Ethan Hawke is incredible. The maturation of the character is evident during the years. As the film portrays small moments in the life of Mason it is impossible not to become familiar with at least one of them new school, First love, domestic abuse, alcohol, drugs, etc, this makes the film an incredible experience the cuts are perfect, the sequences plans are very good and the story n It does not become tiring at any time what is quite rare in a movie lasting 130 minutes. The film has an incredibly well-written screenplay that is due to the actors who make the film look like a real and familiar experience. Ends in the second certain. In general it is a film that took years of production and a lot of effort involved and this generated some of the best cinematic experiences.note 100… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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9

Jaredc324May 16, 2019

A transcendent film achievement. Shot and captured over the course of 12 years, Richard Linklater focusses in on the moments of truth and perspective rather than the obvious footnotes in ones childhood experience. It results in a veryA transcendent film achievement. Shot and captured over the course of 12 years, Richard Linklater focusses in on the moments of truth and perspective rather than the obvious footnotes in ones childhood experience. It results in a very effective and enriching film experience as if following the life Mason rather than the highlights of Mason. Being the same age as this kid it truly resonated with me at a level I cannot describe, and needed some time after viewing the experience to reflect and ponder myself. Because that's what the movie strives for. Moments of reflection, perspective and seeking truth on the journey of life, but never giving us the answers. Boyhood is what most coming of age films strives to be.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

auburnnJan 19, 2018

This film took 12 years to complete. On the one hand, it elevates the medium of film to equivalent of fine art, faithfully documents every moment repeatedly within a long period of time. On the other hand, it explores how we can use movies toThis film took 12 years to complete. On the one hand, it elevates the medium of film to equivalent of fine art, faithfully documents every moment repeatedly within a long period of time. On the other hand, it explores how we can use movies to translate biography -- in the end, every single life is capsulized in a story. What fine art requires is accuracy and rawness without selectivity; what literature requires is a consistent narrative. That seems to be a paradox, but Boyhood achieves a great balance between the two.… Expand

0 of 6 users found this helpful06

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10

goncalocoutoOct 20, 2018

"Boyhood" é um filme perfeito e sem falhas. O melhor de 2014, sem dúvida.
10/10

0 of 23 users found this helpful023

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7

UncleWillardMar 12, 2019

Hell of an achievement. 12 years in the making. The cast literally grew up on the screen. And yet it plods at points. It's an American family drama that just reeks of mediocrity. Not the acting or the film making, but the story itself. EvenHell of an achievement. 12 years in the making. The cast literally grew up on the screen. And yet it plods at points. It's an American family drama that just reeks of mediocrity. Not the acting or the film making, but the story itself. Even after 12 years, the main character is still on the cusp of his life. Maybe a little more indication of where he goes from there would have helped? Still, an outstanding film.… Expand

0 of 7 users found this helpful07

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10

TootsieWootsyAug 29, 2019

Linklater has given us many amazing cinematic experiences, but this is his masterpiece. Not only is this film a heartbreakingly honest portrayal of growing up, but it should be mandatory for students to watch before graduating from highLinklater has given us many amazing cinematic experiences, but this is his masterpiece. Not only is this film a heartbreakingly honest portrayal of growing up, but it should be mandatory for students to watch before graduating from high schoool. Even two years after its release, my eyes still water every time I think about this film. Hawke delivers one of his finest performances, but Arquette's raw emotion will steal your heart and connect with every person who understands what single-parenting feels like. In her last scene of the film, Arquette delivers a heartbreaking line that will break the heart of every mother (and father) who has raised a child to adulthood. This film will go down as one of the greatest cinematic experiences to ever come out of Hollywood… Expand

0 of 5 users found this helpful05

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9

LolathonMar 26, 2022

Very unique slice of life movie. Being from Kazakhstan, I kinda got the grasp of average American life.

0 of 6 users found this helpful06

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10

freerideartsMar 4, 2021

This is a great film. This is a great film. This is a great film. This is a great film.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

TokyochuchuDec 26, 2015

Boyhood is an absolute masterpiece and probably the best movie of it's type ever made. The acting is excellent across the board and the writing matches the performances. There isn't much in the way of 'plot' per se, but somehow the film justBoyhood is an absolute masterpiece and probably the best movie of it's type ever made. The acting is excellent across the board and the writing matches the performances. There isn't much in the way of 'plot' per se, but somehow the film just works with the daily grind compulsively pulling you in. Boyhood is a joy to watch and a really emotional ride. It's a perfect slice of movie making.… Expand