Boy Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Michael Jackson-obsessed kid finally meets his dad, who turns out to be less a samurai warrior and more a guy who can’t remember where he buried stolen money, leading to some very awkward father-son bonding over digging holes.

🍿 Boy: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Boy’s World

Set in 1984 on the east coast of New Zealand, the film introduces Boy, an 11-year-old Maori boy obsessed with Michael Jackson. He lives with his younger brother Rocky, who believes he has magic powers, their grandmother, and several cousins. Their life is simple, marked by poverty and the absence of their father, who is in jail.

The Return of Alamein

When Boy’s grandmother leaves for a week, his father, Alamein, suddenly reappears. Boy has constructed elaborate fantasies about his father, imagining him as a hero. However, the reality is far different; Alamein is a flawed, somewhat incompetent criminal who is mainly interested in finding a bag of money he buried years ago.

Boy’s Disillusionment

As Boy spends time with Alamein, he begins to see his father’s true nature. The buried treasure becomes a central focus, and Boy’s idealized image of his father gradually crumbles. This leads to a painful realization that Alamein is not the hero he imagined, forcing Boy to confront the reality of his family situation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Boy (James Rolleston): An eleven-year-old Michael Jackson obsessed boy who grapples with the reality of his absentee father’s return.
• Alamein (Taika Waititi): Boy’s immature and unreliable father, who returns from prison seeking buried money.
• Rocky (Te Aho Eketone-Whitu): Boy’s younger brother who believes he has magical powers as a result of his mother’s death during childbirth.
• Dynasty (Moerangi Tihore): A young cousin of Boy and Rocky, living in the same household, forming part of their close knit group.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Boy: “My dad’s gonna be a samurai, a boxer, and a deep-sea diver.” – Boy imagines his absent father as a heroic figure, listing off various impressive professions to elevate his status.
• Alamein: “I’m not your dad. I’m Shogun.” – Alamein attempts to rebrand himself as a cool figure upon returning, rejecting the traditional ‘dad’ role.
• Boy: “E hoa, you know magic isn’t real, eh?” – Boy says this to his younger brother Rocky, who believes he has magic powers, showing Boy’s developing sense of reality.
• Boy: “I wonder if my dad still likes Thriller.” – Boy says this as he worships Michael Jackson, reflecting his obsession with his father’s interests and music.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $256,211
• Worldwide Gross: $43,551,154

💥 Boy Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Boy’! It’s a film that manages to be hilarious and heartbreaking all at once. The way Boy’s imagination clashes with the reality of his dad is both funny and incredibly sad. The scene where he tries so hard to impress his dad, even when it’s clear his dad’s a mess, really got to me. Definitely a movie I’ll watch again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Taika Waititi’s films”
  • “Viewers interested in coming-of-age stories”
  • “Those who appreciate films with humor and heart”
  • “Audiences interested in Maori culture and New Zealand cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Brief violence”
  • “Mature themes related to family dysfunction”
  • “Language”

Professional Reviews

• Sundance Film Festival: “A poignant and hilarious coming-of-age story set in 1980s New Zealand, ‘Boy’ balances humor and heart with remarkable skill. Taika Waititi’s direction is both insightful and entertaining, making it a memorable cinematic experience.
• TVfanatic: “Boy’ is an emotionally gripping story about childhood imagination. It portrays the universal theme of hero-worship and the disillusionment that comes from not meeting expectations in a family
• www.atatheaternearyou.net: “Waititi has a gift for eliciting naturalistic performances, particularly from his young cast. ‘Boy’ is a film that understands the complexities of family relationships and the pain of growing up, making it a must-watch.

Audience Reactions

The Haka-Thriller dance at the end is pure genius!: Most viewers agree that the film is a perfect blend of comedy and drama, creating a deeply touching and memorable experience.

The film perfectly captures the essence of childhood and the complexities of family relationships.: Many praised the film for its authentic portrayal of Maori culture and the universal themes of love, loss, and forgiveness.

Overall Consensus: A critically acclaimed and audience-loved film, ‘Boy’ is praised for its heartfelt story, excellent performances, and unique blend of humor and drama. It’s a coming-of-age story that resonates with viewers of all ages.

Awards

1. AFI Fest (Audience Award for Best International Feature Film)- 2010
2. Sydney Film Festival (Audience Award for Best Feature Film)- 2010

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Taika Waititi almost recast the lead role of Boy just days before filming, but then discovered James Rolleston, who was initially an extra on set.”
• “The film is semi-autobiographical, drawing on Waititi’s own experiences growing up in the 1980s in New Zealand.”
• “The film’s original title was ‘Choice’ but was changed to ‘Boy’ to better reflect the central character and themes.”

🖥️ How to Watch Boy?

As a critically acclaimed independent film, ‘Boy’ may be available for streaming or purchase on various digital platforms. Check services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary based on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Boy, you might like these similar films:

• Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016): Also directed by Taika Waititi, it features a similar blend of humor and heart, with themes of family and belonging in the New Zealand landscape.
• The Rocket (2013): Shares themes of childhood resilience and family struggles in a poverty-stricken community, set against a backdrop of cultural tradition.
• Submarine (2010): Captures the awkwardness and humor of adolescence with a distinctive style and quirky characters, similar to Boy’s coming-of-age story.
• Once Were Warriors (1994): Offers a raw and unflinching look at Māori family life, tackling social issues with powerful performances and a gritty narrative.

🛒 Boy Related Products

• Taika Waititi Film Collection [DVD]: Includes ‘Boy’ alongside other acclaimed films by Taika Waititi, offering a deeper dive into his unique storytelling and directorial style.
• Michael Jackson’s Thriller Vinyl Record: Own a piece of music history with Michael Jackson’s Thriller. The soundtrack is a central element of the movie.
• New Zealand Souvenir T-Shirt: Features iconic New Zealand symbols and imagery, allowing fans to connect with the film’s setting and cultural context.
• Boy: The Screenplay: Delve deeper into the story and filmmaking process with the complete screenplay of ‘Boy’, including director’s notes and behind-the-scenes insights.

🎧 Soundtrack

Boy features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hine e Hine” – performed by The Phoenix Foundation

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Why THE LOST BOYS Has a Special Place in 80s Horror

Ever wondered why ‘The Lost Boys’ still resonates so strongly? This video breaks down its unique blend of horror and 80s vibes, making it a must-watch for any fan – I totally agree with the points made!

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