Boy: DVD Review
Boy
Released by Universal Home Entertainment
Rating: M
Officially the biggest ever film ever to hit the New Zealand
cinema, Taika Waititi's Boy finally hits the DVD market.
Set in 1984, and on the rural East Coast of New Zealand, it's the
tale of Boy (a wonderful James Rolleston) who lives with his
brother Rocky (a heartbreakingly human turn by Te Aho
Eketone-Whitu) and their nan.
The pair have been abandoned by their Dad - Boy believes his dad
Alamein (Waititi) is a deep sea diver, war hero or anything else
rather than the reality - an inept criminal who's doing time for a
bungled robbery.
One day, Alamein comes out of jail and heads home - and Boy
realizes the reality of his father is nothing like the fantasy he's
created.
Boy - what can you say about it that's not already been said? I
loved it when it was released in the cinema and I love it still
when it's out on DVD.
There's a sadness to the story too - Rocky believes his super
powers killed their mum when she gave birth to him as he's unable
to cope with the reality of death during child birth.
Both the leads are brilliant in this - each imbues their characters
with such warmth and humanity that it's impossible not to love
them. Waititi is also great as well - he brings a degree of
inspired directing to the film as well as various fantasy scenes
come to life on the screen. (I hate to use the word quirky but
they're genius moments)
Boy is a national treasure - and should be seen and loved by
everyone.
Extras: Trailer and commentary from Waititi - a
little disappointing.
Rating: 9/10
