Mickybo and Me (2005)

After watching the first ten minutes of the movie, I didn't expect much, but my opinion changed quickly.The two main characters of the movie, Mickybo and Jonjo, are impressive actors and act amazing for their age. Both of them grow up under the influence of a war between two cultures, but under various conditions. Jonjos family is rich , but Mickybos family is poor and only has, what they seriously need. Because of their big imagination they want to be like the main characters of a wild western movie. They run away from home and experience great adventures.At all it would be a great choice to watch the movie,especially because of the funny scenes, So don't wait and watch it.

I found this film excellent. It was entertaining, funny and sad.The story of two friends from different backgrounds is definitely nothing new, and I also don't think it was told in any specially new way. Nevertheless, the film had great energy and the world of the children - for whom the world of the adults can be one big playground - was pictured in a honest way.I enjoyed all the performances. Children playing the two main characters felt real in their hopes and fears. Jonjo reminded me of myself when I was a kid - had mad friends getting us in trouble when ever they could - so I really enjoyed his role.In my opinion adults in the movie were convincing, but again, I wouldn't be the right person judge the authenticity of their performances since I am not from the area.In spite of dealing with political issues I found this film non-political. It is a praise for friendship but thank God without Disney-like sentimentality - even if it is touching at times. In my opinion only notch there is the end bit where Jonjo sends the star back to Mickybo. It felt not only gushy but also calculated.However, it was an honest - and somehow real - move to let Mickybo turn against Jonjo in the end of the film.Thank you for film crew for one the best and touching friendship films there is!

To say that to watch this would give a reasonable insight as to what it is like being a Catholic in Northern Ireland, is like saying watch "Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid" to discover how life was in America at the turn of the 19th Century. This film was made for entertainment value only I believe. I do not believe that any hidden social statement was intended. The Protestant boy is portrayed typically as better off than his Catholic counterpart. Not always the case as anyone who knows anything about the warring ghetto factions in Northern Ireland will tell you. The film was full of clichés but highly enjoyable and cinematic. I don't know if has gone to DVD yet but is worth a viewing if it does. As for leaving the cinema, I hope you never go to see Home Alone !!

The story is basically that of two young boys in Belfast in the summer of 1970 who come from opposite sides of the sectarian divide. Obsessed with the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, they decide to run away to Australia and leave their problems behind.I've seen this film twice and would happily watch it again. The two young main characters, Jonjo and Mickybo, are wonderfully cast and the story dwells on their friendship and their need to escape their lives rather than being just another film about the Troubles in Northern Ireland.The cast is excellent, Adrian Dunbar being a standout as the wastrel father. The film is definitely a crowd pleaser but the story is good enough to avoid being corny or sentimental.