The Selfish Giant Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two kids skip school to become scrappers, one’s good with horses, the other’s just a bit of a git, then *BAM* tragedy strikes because capitalism.

🍿 The Selfish Giant: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Arbor and Swifty

Arbor and Swifty, two 13-year-old working-class friends living in Bradford, England, face exclusion from school and struggle with poverty. Arbor is impulsive and hyperactive, while Swifty is gentler and has a way with animals, especially horses. They navigate a harsh world where opportunities are scarce.

Entering the World of Scrap Metal

The boys meet Kitten, a local scrap dealer, and begin collecting scrap metal for him using a horse and cart. Swifty’s natural talent with horses makes him valuable to Kitten, leading to a rift between him and Arbor. Arbor, driven by a desire for money and recognition, becomes increasingly greedy and reckless.

Escalating Risks and Growing Tensions

Arbor’s desperation leads him to take greater risks, including stealing copper cable, which puts him in danger and strains his friendship with Swifty. Kitten exploits the boys, and the pressure mounts as Arbor becomes increasingly obsessed with making money, even at the expense of his own safety and Swifty’s well-being.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Arbor (Conner Chapman): A hyperactive and troubled 13-year-old who seeks fortune through collecting scrap metal.
• Swifty (Shaun Thomas): Arbor’s best friend, a kind and gentle soul with a natural affinity for horses.
• Kitten (Sean Gilder): A local scrap dealer who exploits Arbor and Swifty for his own gain.
• Mary (Lorraine Ashbourne): Kitten’s wife, who seems almost too good to be true, possibly indicating hidden depth or moral conflict.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Arbor: “If you hate me so much then how come you come back then?” – Arbor confronts Swifty, questioning why he continues to associate with him despite their turbulent friendship.
• Arbor: “‘Cause I’m thick, like everyone says.” – Swifty’s response is the the above question from Arbor, highlighting his lack of self-worth and dependence on Arbor despite the mistreatment.

💰Box Office

• Budget: Unknown
• Domestic Gross: $12,189
• Worldwide Gross: $1,114,027

💥 The Selfish Giant Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this movie hit me hard. I wasn’t expecting such a raw and emotional portrayal of poverty and friendship. Conner Chapman and Shaun Thomas were incredible; their performances felt so real. The scene with the horse race was intense, but the ending absolutely broke my heart. Definitely a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Ken Loach films”
  • “Those interested in social realism dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong performances from young actors”
  • “Audiences who enjoy thought-provoking and emotional stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Poverty”
  • “Child exploitation”
  • “Accidental death”
  • “Disturbing scenes”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “A tale of misery set in a working class, poverty-stricken area of the UK. ‘The Selfish Giant’ is about two young boys, both outcasts to a certain extent, who only manage to weather their bleak existence because of their shared friendship.
• The Guardian: “Barnard doesn’t pull any punches but there is a surprising level of compassion and grace from the adults which really pulls on your emotions. The final moments of the film are practically dialogue-free, but you won’t find a more powerful sequence all year.
• Slant Magazine: “Barnard’s film is both grim and tender, as Arbor and Swifty’s friendship becomes their only solace in the wake of institutional failure.

Audience Reactions

The performances by the two young leads were outstanding and incredibly realistic.: The film’s raw depiction of poverty and the strength of friendship resonated deeply with viewers.

The ending was shocking and emotionally devastating, leaving a lasting impact.: Many viewers found the film to be a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on social issues.

Overall Consensus: A powerful and emotionally resonant film with outstanding performances and a bleak but realistic portrayal of poverty and friendship.

Awards

1. British Independent Film Award (Best Film)- 2013

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Clio Barnard based the characters of Arbor and Swifty on real children she met while filming her earlier documentary, ‘The Arbor’ (2010), who were working as scrappers.”
• “The film was shot on location in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, aiming for a realistic portrayal of working-class life.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Selfish Giant?

As a smaller independent film, viewing options might be limited. Check streaming services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu for rental or purchase options. Check your local library as well for physical media.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Selfish Giant, you might like these similar films:

• Kes (1969): Shares similar themes of working-class life, poverty, and a boy’s close bond with an animal, providing a poignant social commentary.
• Fish Tank (2009): Explores themes of poverty, social exclusion, and troubled youth in a contemporary British setting, offering a gritty and realistic portrayal.
• Raining Stones (1993): A Ken Loach film depicting the struggles of a working-class man trying to provide for his family in a deprived area of England, similar to the economic hardships portrayed in The Selfish Giant.

🛒 The Selfish Giant Related Products

• Ken Loach Collection (DVD): Experience the gritty realism of Ken Loach, a director known for similar themes and style. Explore films like ‘Kes’ and ‘Raining Stones’.
• Documentary Film: Child Labor and Poverty in the UK: Uncover eye-opening accounts of young people and children that live in poverty within the United Kingdom.
• Handcrafted Scrap Metal Art Horse Sculpture: A unique sculpture made from recycled scrap metal. Evokes the film’s themes of resourcefulness and the beauty found in discarded objects.
• Working Class Heroes: Social Realism in British Cinema: Explore in detail British cinema about gritty and sometimes hopeless life situations with its own brand of humour and strong emotions.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Conspiracy” – performed by Bill Brown

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Selfish Giant

Ever wanted to just sit back and listen to a story? This video brings Oscar Wilde’s “The Selfish Giant” to life with a captivating audio reading and charming illustrations. I personally found the narrator’s voice so soothing!

The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde (audiobook, simple English)

Struggling with the original text? This version of “The Selfish Giant” is in simple English, making it perfect for learners. Honestly, it’s a great way to enjoy the story without getting bogged down in complex language.

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