Boy

Boy is a 2010 New Zealand coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Taika Waititi and written by Waititi and Frances Whaipati. Set in the summer of 1984, on the rugged east coast of New Zealand, the film revolves around 11-year-old Boy, an eccentric and devoted Michael Jackson fanatic, who is trying to navigate his life and find his place in the world. The story is told through Boy's eyes, showcasing his imaginative world, shaped by the music of Michael Jackson. He has constructed an elaborate fantasy around his idol, often dressing up in a red jacket and matching hat, and enacting scenes from the video to 'Billie Jean'. Boy spends most of his days dreaming about the moonwalk and practicing his dance moves in front of the mirror. Boy's life is turned upside down when Ali (James Rolleston), a rough-around-the-edges 11-year-old, strolls into his life. They both have a deep admiration for Michael Jackson, which creates a bond between them as they share their fantasies and dreams. Ali has recently been released from a correction facility and is eager to reconnect with Boy's family. However, his rough demeanor often leads to misunderstandings and tensions. What sets Boy's life in motion, however, is the arrival of his long-absent father, Alamein (Taika Waititi). A struggling thief in the 1970s, Alamein has returned to New Zealand after years away, searching for a bag of money he buried in the woods. Boy's mother, Mere (Rena Owen), is hesitant to trust her husband after years of abandonment and neglect, but she reluctantly agrees to let him stay for a short period. As Alamein settles in, Boy becomes fascinated by his father's stories of crime-solving and gangsters, which sparks an inner desire to experience the world beyond their small town. The two of them embark on a series of wild and exciting adventures, much like the characters in Alamein's stories. Their adventures, although misguided and reckless, often put them at odds with the rest of their community. In contrast, Ali's more grounded influence helps to balance out the fantasy and recklessness of Boy's world. Ali's family has taken him in despite his troubled past, and through this experience, Boy gets a glimpse of what it's like to live with and be loved by a family. Meanwhile, Boy's mother, Mere, tries her best to hold the family together, dealing with the consequences of Alamein's return and the impending departure of Boy to a state-run residential facility. Alamein's presence also leads Mere to reevaluate their relationship, forcing her to confront the complexities of their situation and her own emotions. As the story progresses, Boy faces challenges on multiple fronts. He struggles with adapting to reality, confronting the harsh realities of the world, and balancing his fantasy world with the harshness of life. His relationship with his father becomes increasingly complicated as Alamein's antics put their family in danger. Despite his flaws and mistakes, Boy remains a loyal and loving son, always seeking to prove himself to his family. Through his relationships, particularly with Ali, Boy starts to understand the importance of loyalty, friendship, and the value of having people who genuinely care for him. Ultimately, Boy's story is a poignant coming-of-age tale that defies the conventions of traditional coming-of-age films. The film tackles themes like identity, family, and belonging in a sensitive and authentic way. It's a testament to Waititi's vision that the film never relies on stereotypes or clichés, and instead, delves into the complexities and nuances of New Zealand's youth culture in the 1980s. The film features stunning cinematography, capturing the rugged, breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand's east coast. The visual effects are minimal, and instead, let the performances and the authenticity shine through. James Rolleston's performance as Boy brings to life a unique and imaginative hero, while Taika Waititi's Alamein proves to be both a flawed and compelling presence in Boy's life.