Boy

Director: Taika Waititi
Cast: James Rolleston, Taika Waititi and Te Aho Eketone-Whitu
Releasing in cinemas: 26 August 2010
Rated: M

Another little indie movie from New Zealand which, like Second-Hand Wedding, sparkles with the joy of simple pleasures. This is one of the most endearing films you’ll see about childhood with the central character a fresh-faced, lovable kid who goes by the name Boy (James Rolleston). He’ll charm your socks off, right from his opening amusing monologue.

Set in a rather underprivileged Maori community at Waihau Bay on the New Zealand East Coast we meet Boy, a dreamer who adores his layabout father Alamein (Taika Waititi). His younger brother Rocky (Te Aho Eketone-Whitu) has imagined powers over people, and being 1984 it’s the era of Michael Jackson’s Thriller and ET. Boy’s an ardent Jackson fan, living with Rocky, his aged grandma, and a tribe of deserted little cousins.

Boy loves weaving tall stories about his dad as a warrior, war hero, gangster and jail breaker, when suddenly Alamein turns up after getting out of prison. Complete with a cool car, leather jacket and love of the film ET, Alamein hasn’t been around for seven years and in a amusing scene is introduced to Rocky, his younger son.

Rocky spends his days hanging out at the cemetery where mother is buried, testing his magic powers on an unfortunate homeless man. Grandma has been away for a while, leaving all the kids in Boy’s care. Alamein moves in and sets up his own mini-gang of one ‘The Crazy Horses’, warning Boy not to get into ‘the Nazi stuff’.

Hoping to find his buried loot from a heist, Alamein and his two dodgy sidekicks start digging up a whole paddock, enlisting Boy’s aid in the venture since his dad’s forgotten the exact location. In return, Alamein sorts out Boy’s bullies, tells fantastic tales and gives him doubtful advice on matters of the heart. Secretly finding the hidden money, Boy and Rocky think it will mean a luxurious life in the big city;
but fate has different ideas.

Between trying to impress his indifferent girlfriend, handling the motley crew of younger cousins, steering Rocky away from his magic powers, and bonding with his bewildering gangsta father, Boy in the end happily comes to terms with the realities of life.

Boy is directed with considerable flair by Taika Waititi (Two Cars, One Night), who also plays the major part of Alamein with equal flamboyance. This delightful romp has all the nostalgia for the period, and a setting perhaps arousing sympathy for the depleted conditions of the community. Yet let it be quickly observed happiness isn’t in short supply - quite the reverse - giving a resonance to the location. Waititi’s script rings true and brings its share of compassionate humour; as wonderful touches of magic realism mix with youthful exuberance and pathos.

James Rolleston as Boy gives a remarkable performance with a natural cheekiness which would do credit to Tom Sawyer. He’s certainly a great find in this his first feature. The other children provide strong backing too, especially Te Aho Eketone-Whitu as Rocky. The young girls expressions of giggling amusement or studied indifference make wry comment on Boy’s romantic efforts. Astute cinematography captures delightful close-ups of the children’s faces.

A lively music track keeps the pace bubbling along, and the film wisely doesn’t exceed 90 minutes. Boy and Alamein are such well-drawn characters they’re truly memorable. And what a great ending to the film! You’ll come out smiling, feeling the world’s a better place. What more can you ask from a movie?

John Bale