This film is a new favorite of sorts. It is from the same writer/director as Eagle vs. Shark, Taika Waititi. It is very much in the same comedic vein, which I admit may not be to everyone's taste, though possibly to every cool body's taste. That said, it digs deeper than that film into personal trauma and failure or success in parenting. Eagle vs. Shark is quite deep, in its own way, but there is a greater balance between comedy and tragedy in Boy.
Boy is the story of two young brothers who live with their grandmother and cousins near a small town in New Zealand. The older, Alamein, is called Boy by many of his fellows and begins the film by relating a little bit of his story, mostly comprising the obviously ridiculous, supposed exploits of his father, the elder Alamein. While Boy's grandmother is gone to a funeral for a week, this elder Alamein returns, after being gone many years, with his gang, the Crazy Horses, which consists of two other guys.
As for wit, I gave it a 9. This is -.25 from Eagle vs. Shark, because the dialogue lacks a slight crisp nature and the hole left by Jemaine Clement is not filled properly. There are still some great lines. A teacher near the beginning asking him about a fight at school says, " People call me a dumb honky all the time. I don't go round punching them." When Boy asks, "Why not?" he replies, "Because they're usually children." This one in particular I can't stop laughing at. When he tells Boy that he and his father both had potential, Boy asks what potential means. The teacher answers, "It's 3:30. I'm off the clock," and walks out. Boy's interpretation of potential is a key point throughout the movie and this joke plays into much more serious moments without diminishing the brilliance of the joke. That is just a taste.
Waititi himself plays the father and really does a good job of being easily angry, often oppressively selfish, and still maintain your interest and not become irredeemable. James Rolleston, who plays Boy and Te Aho Aho Eketone-Whitu, who plays Rocky, his little brother, both manage pathos and depth in their acting that is very impressive for kids their ages. Boy has a hopeful, joyful self-enforced ignorance of his dad's acts and their motives. This builds a dramatic irony that is often funny, but is in its place, heart-breaking. Rocky is stand-offish and beautifully opens up as his dad is around more. He shows himself a gentle soul amidst the chaos of his situation. A couple other performances are particularly good, but it feels as if the whole thing has a director-led coherence of tone and aspect that I appreciate.
For wisdom, I cannot but give it a 9.5. This is, I think because of its honesty and its willingness to show this dad who self-aggrandizes and often forgets his kids and is deeply haunted by his wife's death from the perspective of his child. It shows a child grow up and willingly take up making his dad this grand figure for his younger brother, even when he is disillusioned. It shows people wronging and being wronged and a sense of peace coming from everybody getting out their grievances and fears and insecurities. These are not moral people, but their portrayal is beautiful and wise because their faults are shown and then covered over by love.
This film continues the variety and multi-leveled representation of Eagle vs. Shark, including the post-credit sequence which remake the Thriller video in what I assume is traditional Maori style and language (Yes, I put the title of a music video in italics instead of quotes out of respect). The use of Rocky's drawing has a similar effect to Eagle vs. Shark's apple claymation sequence. Music, effects, and the aforementioned credit given to directing earn this one a solid 9.5.
Overall, I definitely suggest this film to anyone, though subtitles may be needed as the New Zealand accent can get thick (I even peaked at the French subtitles the first time when I missed something). It also helps to know the comedic style, reminiscent of Flight of the Conchords, etc.
Enjoyez, mes bons amis!
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