Boy

Boy
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Boy is a touching comedy drama from New Zealand, which has some strong language, occasional underage drinking, some smoking of pot by minors, and slapstick violence. Eleven-year-old Boy (James Rolleston) is reunited with his father, Alamein (Taika Waititi), when he returns home from prison. Boy commits petty crimes -- such as stealing marijuana -- in an attempt to impress Alamein, who is more interested in finding the money he buried before he went to prison. Boy also neglects his brother and cousins, who up to then he had looked after. But due to both his age and his easygoing nature, he remains likable throughout. There is both strong language -- including variants of "f--k" and "s--t" -- and occasional violence, but both are usually played for laughs. In an imagined scene, a prison guard has a spoon thrown into his eye resulting in blood spatter. In another, a bar brawl initially plays out like a dance routine, albeit with knives and chains, before Alamein is thrown to the floor and stamped on. Alamein gives Boy both beer and pot. But the only drunkenness shown is that of Alamein and his friends while at a party. There are several references to a mother dying during childbirth. In a flashback scene, the woman's bloody feet and sheets are seen. Alamein has a brief, but crude, discussion with Boy about sex. There is some tween crushing and Alamein lies to another boy about having sex with someone. While the movie touches on some serious issues, it's playful, real, and identifiable to teens and older.
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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
- Studios: Unison Films, Paladin
- Genre: Comedy
- Character Strengths: Empathy
- Run time: 87 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: April 3, 2022
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