Boy: DVD Review

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