Boy
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Metascore
70 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 8 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: Boy is a dreamer who loves Michael Jackson. He lives with his brother Rocky, a tribe of deserted cousins and his Nan. Boy’s other hero, his father, Alamein, is the subject of Boy’s fantasies, and he imagines him as a deep sea diver, war hero and a close relation of Michael Jackson (he can ean even dance like him). In reality he’s “in the can for robbery”. When Alamein returns home after 7 years away, 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. (Paladin)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: David DeWitt
    Mar 1, 2012
    90
    This unpretentious comic tale of a youngster's growing relationship with a long-absent father has a surprising rhythmic genius: joy juxtaposed with humiliation, silliness with sadness, fantasy with reality, and none of it formulaic. The editing feels fresh, as does the film.
  2. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Joe Morgenstern
    Mar 15, 2012
    80
    Mr. Waititi, a popular standup comic in New Zealand, is wonderfully droll and entertaining in this acting role, which isn't all that far, geography and culture notwithstanding, from Steve Zahn at his stoner best.
  3. Arizona Republic
    Reviewed by: Bill Goodykoontz
    Apr 5, 2012
    80
    A delightful discovery, a charming little film about fathers, sons, New Zealand and Michael Jackson.
  4. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Elizabeth Weitzman
    Mar 1, 2012
    60
    Waititi retains his quirky style, but it feels meaningful here, a valid effort to explore the difficulties in coming of age during tough times.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Sausage
    10
    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 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
  2. filmtrashreview
    10
    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 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
  3. kiwineil
    10
    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.… Expand
  4. NZVideos
    7
    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

See all 5 User Reviews

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