December Boys (2007)

I've seen a lot of movies, from Hollywood to Bollywood, jumping countries and continent, mixing comedies and dramas, actors and amateurs, but I have never seen a movie where I knew that even though it would be sad ending, I would feel happy about it, knowing the characters in the film will always be happy.Where to start...the acting was simple and brilliant. You could not ask more of children this age. Daniel Radcliffe also shone in this role, and I am always delighted to see his movies (he is truly an inspiration for people who want to do good in this world). The scenery is gorgeous. A rocky cove in a corner of Australia, away from civilisation, with power-lines turned on by generators, and sand-dunes and old cars to play on. Simply put, the simple things in life we now take for granted and shun, because we have our iPads and computers, cars and video games. We have forgotten the feeling of brotherhood, of looking out for each other, of enjoying the simple things in life, of fighting but reconciling in the end, of the merit of good deeds that, even when they are hard to make, come back to you in a good way.There is not one criticism I would make of this film. It is a film about growing up and making hard choices, about loneliness and a sense of belonging, about friendship, brotherhood, first love and lost, family, parenting, good life skills. Anything you want, this movie offers.Do not believe a word the critics say. I haven't, and I was absolutely delighted by this movie. If you have a heart and are a human being, you will too. And after you have wept in tears of joy about the beautiful melancholy and serene sense of purpose this movie guides you to, you will then recommend it to your friends, and the words of love and life will spread.100 out of 10!

A coming of age movie that is male enough to keep (especially teen) male viewers and sweet enough to keep female viewers, just naughty enough for them to feel as if they're watching a "grown up" movie and just sweet enough that it's not too adult. As someone else mentioned, it is the nearly perfect confluence of great acting, writing, and directing. The few points I deducted were for a few spots (such as the horse and the dying cancer victim) that seemed to try too hard to lay other, deeper layers on. Lots of nice, unexpected surprises and, thankfully, when you think you will be cheated by some "clever" turn in the script (as other movies are wont to do) you're not and come away feeling fully satisfied that it ends as it should.Altogether a very nice film though parents (especially non-Catholic parents) may have some 'splaining to do about some of the Catholic elements. And the PG-13 rating is appropriate.

To Jlin from the Emerald Isle .. methinks you had a little too much of the Hard Stuff ;-)Whats it like to be an Orphan in the days of narrow mindedness and strange moral beliefs that were taught then ... this film portrays this well.Excellent Cinema Photography and composition with some excellent stills and excellent script too with some pot shots at the ridiculous order that Nuns were and are today :( with their strange methods at handling Orphans not to mention their narrow minded beliefs.The acting by the 4 orphan boys was very convincing as was the portrayal of how young boys behave like smoking after lights out in bed, or how the awareness of the opposite sex awakened their senses.The orphans were the stars without a doubt the other adults competent enough Jack Thomson was somewhat wooden in his role.To sum up an enjoyable film devoid of any nasties ... not a masterpiece by any means though.

Set in the late 60s, December Boys is a beautiful, poignant tale of adolescence and abandonment with the vast, awe-inspiring Australian outback as a backdrop, unraveled in the same vein as Stand By Me."What's the big deal about having parents anyway?" Maps (Daniel Radcliffe) retorts to his summer fling Lucy (Teresa Palmer). Maps is the eldest of four orphan boys who get sent for a seaside holiday with an elderly couple. Misty (Lee Cormie) is the youngest and the artistic one of the brood. Sparks (Christian Byers) is good with mechanical things, while Spit (James Fraser) is so named for what he does best.Having been given a glimpse of what the orphans' lives have been like together, you have an idea of where Maps' trend of thought comes from. They've survived so far without parents, and they have had each other to call as family growing up. This just becomes more glaring as they interact with their host family's neighbors, and they get in an emotional competition for possible adoption that tests the limits of their brotherhood.Unfulfilled expectations are shared by all characters regardless of age and situation, and this is the main theme that the audience empathizes with. It is heartbreaking to see their faces light up with hope at the possibility of winning the parent lottery only to be passed on time and time again. Rude awakenings and rejection are themes that most people can relate to after hardened years, but for children to already know it intimately at such an age is what makes December Boys the thoughtful tearjerker it is.