Boy
By Danny Brogan,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Coming-of-age comedy has language, underage drinking, pot.

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Boy
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What's the Story?
Set in 1984, BOY tells the story of 11-year-old Boy (James Rolleston), who lives with his nan, brother, and cousins in rural New Zealand. Boy tells elaborate tales about his absentee father, Alamein (Taika Waititi), who he says will return home and take him to see Michael Jackson in concert. When his father -- who's actually been in prison -- does return in search of some money he buried, Boy is given the chance to get to know him for real.
Is It Any Good?
Written, directed by, and starring Taika Waititi, this is a touching New Zealand coming-of-age comedy drama about Maori life. Boy -- originally released in 2010 -- was only Waititi's second film. But such is the honesty, realism, and humor on display, it's little surprise that he's now one of Hollywood's most sought after filmmakers. The movie also gives Waititi a chance to demonstrate his acting credentials. His portrayal as the hapless Alamein is equal measure hilarious, infuriating, and ridiculous. But it's the debut performance from Rolleston in the titular role that deserves the most praise. So expertly does he articulate his highs and then lows, when he begins to see his father for what he really is, it's hard to believe that not only was this the young actor's first role, but that he was also only cast two days before shooting began.
In amidst the beautiful New Zealand scenery, the film doesn't shy away from the hardships this Maori community face. Poverty, lack of opportunity, and -- though never graphically depicted -- violence are all at play. But so is love, friendship, and family, albeit not in the conventional sense. A beautiful, heart-warming film that will be relatable to teens and will remind anyone older of a time when they too were trying to make sense of the world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the relationship between Boy and his father in Boy. How does how Boy sees his father change throughout the movie? Why do you think Boy tells his friends lies about his father? Do you think Alamein cares about his son?
Set in a Maori community with an unusual family setup, why is it important to see such diversity on screen? Perhaps you come from a Maori background, or know someone who does. What do you know about this community?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How does the film depict underage drinking, smoking, and drug use. Are they glamorized? Why do the characters participate in these activities? What are the consequences? Why is that important?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 2, 2012
- On DVD or streaming: July 9, 2013
- Cast: James Rolleston, Te Aho Eketone-Whitu, Taika Waititi
- Director: Taika Waititi
- Inclusion Information: Indigenous directors, Polynesian/Pacific Islander directors, Indigenous actors, Polynesian/Pacific Islander actors
- Studios: Unison Films, Paladin
- Genre: Comedy
- Character Strengths: Empathy
- Run time: 87 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: April 14, 2023
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