1,076 reviews
"Boyhood" is one of the most original films I have seen and when it was over, it left me wanting more--both signs that it was a terrific film. What is so original about it? Instead of making the film during the usual film schedule lasting a few months, this film was made over 11 years! So, instead of having multiple kids playing the same character, here we see the same child actor as he grows from age 7 to 18. Similar sorts of things have been done with the "Up" series, but these are documentary films. Here, it's a fictional snapshot of a boy's life--and it's so unusual that I strongly recommend you see it.
As for the story, I will admit that it will not appeal to everyone. After all, like real life, some parts are slow and not particularly interesting. Additionally, many viewers will be turned off by seeing the realism--showing kids doing illegal or dangerous things, cursing, teenage sexuality and the like. Plus, a few might not like the political or religious messages that come in the film. However, this last point I could easily overlook as politics and religion ARE parts of real life and discussing them is appropriate to heighten the film's realism--even if you don't agree with the orientation. Overall, an exciting sort of picture--one that must be praised for the care and efforts taken to create such a groundbreaking project.
As for the story, I will admit that it will not appeal to everyone. After all, like real life, some parts are slow and not particularly interesting. Additionally, many viewers will be turned off by seeing the realism--showing kids doing illegal or dangerous things, cursing, teenage sexuality and the like. Plus, a few might not like the political or religious messages that come in the film. However, this last point I could easily overlook as politics and religion ARE parts of real life and discussing them is appropriate to heighten the film's realism--even if you don't agree with the orientation. Overall, an exciting sort of picture--one that must be praised for the care and efforts taken to create such a groundbreaking project.
- planktonrules
- Oct 31, 2014
- Permalink
For some people including myself you tend to be able to relate to a lot of the events in Masons life as he continues to age. The nostalgia that these relations create can bring both good and bad memories up and impacts like no other film can. I have to say a lot of the tough situations mason had to endure (drunk stepfathers) I can really relate to and I could feel the strong intensity in some of those moments. However not everyone has these same experiences and thus not having that nostalgic effect.
So basically your enjoyment of the film is really all a matter of how much you can relate to it. Heck at one point in the film Masons journey took a different turn than what mine did thus ending the ability to relate and from there I could see why some people hated it but the way I looked at it to enjoy it was that either way I was watching the life of this person and being given the opportunity to see this new perspective.
When I lost the ability to relate with Mason on his journey i started to almost dislike him for certain things for some reason. When I watched this film I didn't feel like I was watching a movie I felt like I was going through life with Mason. Others may not be able to do that but I was fortunate enough to experience it like this.
In conclusion this is a really love it or hate it type movie. If you can relate to some experiences it can be very enjoyable but for others it can seem very boring and pointless. I can really see both sides but I definitely enjoyed the film and In those final credits I nearly teared up because I just realized what I had experienced. This is hard to explain but if you understand then you obviously get what I'm saying. I hope you don't waste 165 minutes of your life I hope you experience this film the same way I did if not more so. I hope what I said is helpful thanks for reading my review.
So basically your enjoyment of the film is really all a matter of how much you can relate to it. Heck at one point in the film Masons journey took a different turn than what mine did thus ending the ability to relate and from there I could see why some people hated it but the way I looked at it to enjoy it was that either way I was watching the life of this person and being given the opportunity to see this new perspective.
When I lost the ability to relate with Mason on his journey i started to almost dislike him for certain things for some reason. When I watched this film I didn't feel like I was watching a movie I felt like I was going through life with Mason. Others may not be able to do that but I was fortunate enough to experience it like this.
In conclusion this is a really love it or hate it type movie. If you can relate to some experiences it can be very enjoyable but for others it can seem very boring and pointless. I can really see both sides but I definitely enjoyed the film and In those final credits I nearly teared up because I just realized what I had experienced. This is hard to explain but if you understand then you obviously get what I'm saying. I hope you don't waste 165 minutes of your life I hope you experience this film the same way I did if not more so. I hope what I said is helpful thanks for reading my review.
- WalterSoprano
- Dec 23, 2014
- Permalink
A film such as this certainly needs to be respected. But it also really helps that this film is actually amazing, and isn't just a gimmick. It's so clear everyone involved gave it their all and put their heart and soul into it, and it pays off.
Boyhood is essentially a collection of little moments in one boys life as he grows up. We see every aspect of life here. Happy, sad, touching, funny. It really just shows how little moments in our lives when were growing up really make up who we are. As somebody who is pretty much the same age as the main actor is now, I found the film to be easy to relate to. I was seeing a boy growing up in the same way I did, and it was unlike any film experience I have had before. Many of the themes and events also resonated with me and allowed me to connect with it. It really encapsulates the feelings I had growing up.
The performances in here were great. I found Ethan Hawke to be particularly amazing, but everyone else is great too. Patricia Arquette really embodies the mother so well, and Ellar Coltrane certainly grows into his role more and more. He isn't perfect, but he works, and that's all you can ask for an actor who started the film when he was 7. It's also a fairly visually striking film, which is nice to see. It embraces the changing time periods really well and I liked how Linklater decided to show a lot of products that were popular during that time and use music that was big in those years too. It helps you remember what it was like during that specific time. Each time period of the kids life feels unique, and it's so incredible to see it progress. It uses the 2 hour and 45 minute run time to its fullest, and it lets important moments play out.
Boyhood is a film about growing up and life that tackles the hard issues and general feelings of confusion that comes with life, but overall leaves you on an uplifting note. It captures the realism well, and will really give you an unforgettable film experience.
Boyhood is essentially a collection of little moments in one boys life as he grows up. We see every aspect of life here. Happy, sad, touching, funny. It really just shows how little moments in our lives when were growing up really make up who we are. As somebody who is pretty much the same age as the main actor is now, I found the film to be easy to relate to. I was seeing a boy growing up in the same way I did, and it was unlike any film experience I have had before. Many of the themes and events also resonated with me and allowed me to connect with it. It really encapsulates the feelings I had growing up.
The performances in here were great. I found Ethan Hawke to be particularly amazing, but everyone else is great too. Patricia Arquette really embodies the mother so well, and Ellar Coltrane certainly grows into his role more and more. He isn't perfect, but he works, and that's all you can ask for an actor who started the film when he was 7. It's also a fairly visually striking film, which is nice to see. It embraces the changing time periods really well and I liked how Linklater decided to show a lot of products that were popular during that time and use music that was big in those years too. It helps you remember what it was like during that specific time. Each time period of the kids life feels unique, and it's so incredible to see it progress. It uses the 2 hour and 45 minute run time to its fullest, and it lets important moments play out.
Boyhood is a film about growing up and life that tackles the hard issues and general feelings of confusion that comes with life, but overall leaves you on an uplifting note. It captures the realism well, and will really give you an unforgettable film experience.
- TheFilmGuy1
- Jan 22, 2015
- Permalink
If this film is not a miracle of sorts, then, I don't know what is. Time is the plot, yes, and it overtakes without us noticing when or how and the next stop is "my f"%&ing funeral" Patricia Arquette gives "Boyhood" its palpitating heart. It reminded me and confirmed that the future is female and that Patricia Arquette is one of the greatest actresses that ever lived. That incident with her Mexican laborer and its consequences (I don't want to give away too much) are one of the many gems this miracle of a movie exposes. Ethan Hawke, heartbreaking, funny, enormously real and then, Lorelei Linklater, beautiful, unique. Ellar Coltrane...where do I start here? I hope he knows that the truth and beauty of his creation, touched, transformed and enlightened anyone who came to meet you with an open heart. Firstly and lastly, Richard Linklater...he's been a hero mine for a long time but now, he's in a place that I reserve only for him. Artist, adventurer, explorer, storyteller, miracle worker. His film, for us who look from the outside, is a hymn to family, friendship, loyalty and cinema. Thank you sir, thank you all.
- totalwonder
- Feb 28, 2015
- Permalink
Once a year, over the last 12 years, Richard Linklater ('Waking Life' / 'Before Sunset') has reunited the same cast and shot segments of a feature film following the life of a boy (played by Ellar Coltrane – who literally grew into this part and became an actor of substance) from the age of 5 through the age of 18; the result is both fascinating and inspired. The only other project that comes close in comparison is Michael Apted's 'Seven Up' series which documents the lives of a collection of school children in 7-year intervals, starting in 1964 and still going as of the latest edition in 2012. What's so unique about 'Boyhood' is that these individuals (including Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette, and Linklater's own daughter, Lorelei Linklater) evolve and age within a scripted narrative that is not 'like' a time capsule, this is a completely authentic period piece that retraces an era from the cultural response to September 11th, through the election of Barrack Obama, and into the age of social media saturation. As you watch these actors morph through more than a decade of their lives within a few hours, the story becomes as engaging as its concept. Throughout my life and travels, I've heard so little enthusiasm for Linklater outside of Austin and it's a shame because he is a unique force within the industry and quite an American gem. The director received a well-deserved standing ovation from SXSW's elated audience having, once again, set a new standard in the exploration of film's potential and reinforcing the limitlessness of DIY filmmaking.
BOYHOOD...What a great movie! I simply believe in America again! They are also humans, guys, trust me:) Its obviously doesn't matter if you are an American, German or Russian. There are the same problems, the same ways, the same love inside us. As a Russian I must say I understand American people and also myself much much better with this movie. It was like... about me... I just COULD NOT imagine how much we are all the same.. Just love it! If I look at my childhood in the former USSR I see not much difference, the cars and houses are different, we spoke Russian, but that feeling, that pulse of life, that sometimes "lost" fathers and mothers to solve every day problems, fighting for the existence and good life for the children are so familiar to me.. That long hair and piercing.. Oh boy, its all so much alike. And those "Paul was greater than the others...". The movie is just breathing, its a three hours of fresh air!
I do not want to say much about the qualities of the movie.. It is overall brilliant. I do believe, this will be a classical film, and students all over thew world will study it in future at their film schools. P.S. Sorry for my poor English.
I do not want to say much about the qualities of the movie.. It is overall brilliant. I do believe, this will be a classical film, and students all over thew world will study it in future at their film schools. P.S. Sorry for my poor English.
- i-accept-me
- Feb 5, 2014
- Permalink
This film blew me away and it is hard to describe why. Seeing it together with 1,500+ captivated and enthusiastic people at one of the Berlinale Friedrichstadt-Palast screenings surly helped. Yet, what makes this film so unique and touching is its deep humanity. Although it is a fictional piece, you can't help not to relate to the actors as if it would be a documentary. Every scene feels like real life. I know that this is not necessarily a good thing to say about a movie but it is meant as a compliment.
The actors deliver an outstanding performance. While much has already been said about the main characters, I was also deeply impressed by the performance of the side characters as well. As an example, the actor of the second husband of Olivia excels in one of the most emotionally straining scenes of the movie. The dialogs are touching and feel just natural. There are so many scenes and details in the movie where you feel unbelievable close to the actors. When Patricia Arquette says as mother Olivia "I thought there would be more" you instantly think about your own (family) life and its constant flux.
I surely hope that this movie will make it to as many screens as possible. Also, I hope that no distributor will force additional editing on it. It is perfect as it is and worth any minute. If you like people in general and families in particular, you will love this movie.
The actors deliver an outstanding performance. While much has already been said about the main characters, I was also deeply impressed by the performance of the side characters as well. As an example, the actor of the second husband of Olivia excels in one of the most emotionally straining scenes of the movie. The dialogs are touching and feel just natural. There are so many scenes and details in the movie where you feel unbelievable close to the actors. When Patricia Arquette says as mother Olivia "I thought there would be more" you instantly think about your own (family) life and its constant flux.
I surely hope that this movie will make it to as many screens as possible. Also, I hope that no distributor will force additional editing on it. It is perfect as it is and worth any minute. If you like people in general and families in particular, you will love this movie.
- haveyouseenthis
- Feb 14, 2014
- Permalink
There is something people should know before watching this movie, and that is that it takes place from 2002 to 2014. I grew up in that same generation, so as I watched this movie I felt like I was growing up all over again seeing the references to pop culture, society, politics, middle school, high school, and technology. It was incredible to experience that. And even for those who weren't children growing up in those 12 years will still feel a sense of going back in time. There was not one moment that I thought wasn't needed. In fact, I and the rest of the audience wished there had been more going on.
The plot is very simple: what does it mean to grow up, become an adult, and live? And as the years go by, it becomes apparent that Mason (the main character) is struggling to find his place in life. Though there are a few struggles he encounters and some thematic material, overall the movie is hilarious and real. From Richard Linklater's previous films, I've noticed that the dialogue all feels real (to a point where I feel like I'm interacting with the characters). And it is so well done in this film.
Speaking of Linklater, I see an Oscar nomination for directing coming his way. As he sat down for Q&A on Boyhood, one of the things he said that struck the audience was that he thought it was funny that people who saw "Boyhood" told him he improved as a director. This was funny to him because one of the first rules he made before filming in 2002 was that he could not change as a director for the sake of the movie to have no continuity errors (especially so the tone didn't change). The only improvement going on is the superb acting from Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette, and (of course) Ellar Coltrane.
With probably the best ending I've ever seen for a movie and a story guided by a talented director, "Boyhood" is the most powerful and unique coming-of-age film ever made and it will be proclaimed as a classic for the years to come.
The plot is very simple: what does it mean to grow up, become an adult, and live? And as the years go by, it becomes apparent that Mason (the main character) is struggling to find his place in life. Though there are a few struggles he encounters and some thematic material, overall the movie is hilarious and real. From Richard Linklater's previous films, I've noticed that the dialogue all feels real (to a point where I feel like I'm interacting with the characters). And it is so well done in this film.
Speaking of Linklater, I see an Oscar nomination for directing coming his way. As he sat down for Q&A on Boyhood, one of the things he said that struck the audience was that he thought it was funny that people who saw "Boyhood" told him he improved as a director. This was funny to him because one of the first rules he made before filming in 2002 was that he could not change as a director for the sake of the movie to have no continuity errors (especially so the tone didn't change). The only improvement going on is the superb acting from Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette, and (of course) Ellar Coltrane.
With probably the best ending I've ever seen for a movie and a story guided by a talented director, "Boyhood" is the most powerful and unique coming-of-age film ever made and it will be proclaimed as a classic for the years to come.
- bigmystery23
- May 2, 2014
- Permalink
It is not my type. I did not enjoy it. However I appreciated how they shot it during twelve years of period.
- ziyaaliyev
- Jul 8, 2021
- Permalink
By some miracle, the run time of this movie has proved to be the exact same length as that of the forth installment of the Transformers franchise. Having slogged through nearly three hours of robots hitting robots shot from a camera permanently fixed between the thighs of our lead female protagonist a week earlier, Richard Linklater's latest contribution to modern cinema was a more than welcome reminder that visionary filmmakers still exist, and that the actual run time compared to how long the run time feels speaks much of film quality.
Boyhood documents the early life of a boy called Mason, beginning at six, then continuing all the way through middle-school, high school and eventually his move to college at eighteen years of age. Although the story line is fairly simplistic and one might argue, unadventurous, the sheer ambition of the director is reason enough to hand your money over; shot over twelve years with the same group of actors, audiences can experience the true evolution of a character like never before.
However as Linklater said himself, if the audience see this merely as an experiment, then he has failed at his task. The movie has its own story to tell. The aforementioned criticism of an overly simplistic plot is what makes the story so identifiable not just for young people, but for adults as well; the film could easily be called 'adulthood' or 'parenthood' or even take a more generalised title of 'Life' - Linklater understands people, and is therefore one of the few modern filmmakers who understands the importance of well-rounded, interesting and relatable characters to tell a story.
When watching Boyhood, you don't think of the ramifications, the possible pitfalls and how difficult it must have been to make. You instead choose to enjoy it at surface level, only truly appreciating the sheer brilliance of what has been achieved after the film. This really is a once-in-a-lifetime film and therefore a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone watching it. Soon to be a modern classic, this is a picture that will be looked back on as one of the greatest ever made.
Boyhood documents the early life of a boy called Mason, beginning at six, then continuing all the way through middle-school, high school and eventually his move to college at eighteen years of age. Although the story line is fairly simplistic and one might argue, unadventurous, the sheer ambition of the director is reason enough to hand your money over; shot over twelve years with the same group of actors, audiences can experience the true evolution of a character like never before.
However as Linklater said himself, if the audience see this merely as an experiment, then he has failed at his task. The movie has its own story to tell. The aforementioned criticism of an overly simplistic plot is what makes the story so identifiable not just for young people, but for adults as well; the film could easily be called 'adulthood' or 'parenthood' or even take a more generalised title of 'Life' - Linklater understands people, and is therefore one of the few modern filmmakers who understands the importance of well-rounded, interesting and relatable characters to tell a story.
When watching Boyhood, you don't think of the ramifications, the possible pitfalls and how difficult it must have been to make. You instead choose to enjoy it at surface level, only truly appreciating the sheer brilliance of what has been achieved after the film. This really is a once-in-a-lifetime film and therefore a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone watching it. Soon to be a modern classic, this is a picture that will be looked back on as one of the greatest ever made.
Impressive for its technical achievement, and an enjoyable film, if only for seeing something that has never been done before. I came away not feeling I had learnt much about myself though and I was expecting to from such a profound filmmaking journey.
- mickman91-1
- May 3, 2022
- Permalink
It's true: Linklater took 12 years to develop his family of characters. While I was intimidated by the 3 hour run time, I have to admit, there was not a moment of this film I could have done without.
This is more than a coming of age story; the title "Family" or "Motherhood" would be just as appropriate. Set in Texas, the screenplay is natural and reminiscent of plenty of Linklater's other work: a film that begins with dialog unlike any other Linklater films evolves into thoughtful, poignant discourse not unlike that from the "Before" series. One character in a late-night nacho scene was perhaps a callback to the heady "Waking Life." With that said, this absolutely is not a mere think piece. What makes this film truly fantastic is how accessible the material is, given its scope. Without giving any narrative away, I'll say that the story itself is absolutely engaging and not without surprises. I watched many films at Sundance 2014 (including comedies), and this was the first that had the audience reacting throughout: we laughed, gasped, covered our eyes, and I am sure more than a few of us wept.
The characters are well developed. Don't be fooled by the title --- the spirit of Boyhood is alive here, but the female characters are thoroughly developed, distinct, and alive. Unfortunately, though it's 2014, this is a rarity in cinema.
Like in "Waking Life" and "A Scanner Darkly", Linklater has again delivered true visual innovation. This time, however, his set-up is simple: shooting on film, Linklater replaced rotoscoping with time lapse. Has a single film ever intentionally traced a character over such a span of time? Linklater wisely chose to reveal the main character to us subtly. Despite this, the effect is riveting.
I am not exaggerating when I say that after I watched this film I sold all of my other tickets to Sundance films. Viewing Boyhood for the first time was such a joyful experience that I didn't want to tarnish the experience by any comparison. Everyone in the Eccles theater shared a special few hours together. Though this only premiered a few days ago, I am confident that this will go down as one of the most ambitious and rewarding film projects of our time.
This is more than a coming of age story; the title "Family" or "Motherhood" would be just as appropriate. Set in Texas, the screenplay is natural and reminiscent of plenty of Linklater's other work: a film that begins with dialog unlike any other Linklater films evolves into thoughtful, poignant discourse not unlike that from the "Before" series. One character in a late-night nacho scene was perhaps a callback to the heady "Waking Life." With that said, this absolutely is not a mere think piece. What makes this film truly fantastic is how accessible the material is, given its scope. Without giving any narrative away, I'll say that the story itself is absolutely engaging and not without surprises. I watched many films at Sundance 2014 (including comedies), and this was the first that had the audience reacting throughout: we laughed, gasped, covered our eyes, and I am sure more than a few of us wept.
The characters are well developed. Don't be fooled by the title --- the spirit of Boyhood is alive here, but the female characters are thoroughly developed, distinct, and alive. Unfortunately, though it's 2014, this is a rarity in cinema.
Like in "Waking Life" and "A Scanner Darkly", Linklater has again delivered true visual innovation. This time, however, his set-up is simple: shooting on film, Linklater replaced rotoscoping with time lapse. Has a single film ever intentionally traced a character over such a span of time? Linklater wisely chose to reveal the main character to us subtly. Despite this, the effect is riveting.
I am not exaggerating when I say that after I watched this film I sold all of my other tickets to Sundance films. Viewing Boyhood for the first time was such a joyful experience that I didn't want to tarnish the experience by any comparison. Everyone in the Eccles theater shared a special few hours together. Though this only premiered a few days ago, I am confident that this will go down as one of the most ambitious and rewarding film projects of our time.
- v-paige-smith
- Jan 22, 2014
- Permalink
One of the more overrated films lately.
The good: production, shooting, editing, sound -- were all good.
The great: the idea of following the same boy and others for 11 years. Transitions from age to age were beautiful.
The tiresome: the acting. It was OK, but nothing that grabs you. Ellar Coltrane was at his acting best when he was young, but gradually got more stilted. This could have been due to the director more than to him.
The ugly: The script. Existential drivel, over and over. Every character was written in a way that remained two-dimensional, especially his sister and mother. Ethan Hawke as his father did the best job of any of them in bringing some depth of life to his role.
The good: production, shooting, editing, sound -- were all good.
The great: the idea of following the same boy and others for 11 years. Transitions from age to age were beautiful.
The tiresome: the acting. It was OK, but nothing that grabs you. Ellar Coltrane was at his acting best when he was young, but gradually got more stilted. This could have been due to the director more than to him.
The ugly: The script. Existential drivel, over and over. Every character was written in a way that remained two-dimensional, especially his sister and mother. Ethan Hawke as his father did the best job of any of them in bringing some depth of life to his role.
Every once in a while, you can witness something that hits you at your very core. I've felt this very few times in my film loving career. I gazed in awe at the sight of dinosaurs in Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park, marveled witnessing the birth of the universe in Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life, and now, I sit in sheer admiration and respect at the magic that is Richard Linklater's Boyhood. Nothing you have read, heard, or seen about the film will prepare you for the experience that is this cinematic rarity. Filmed over twelve years, Boyhood tells the story of Mason, who we follow from ages 5 to 18.
Starring Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, and Lorelei Linklater, Boyhood assembles the finest cast of 2014 so far. Each player, dedicating themselves to the greater cause, allows themselves to evolve. Fully realized, and oozed with every rich element of movie making, Linklater writes the most authentic characters to grace the screens in years. Ready for more hyperbolic thoughts? Doesn't make it less true but get ready. Boyhood, potentially, could be one of the best films ever made. Last year, I referred to his third installment of the Before series, "a masterpiece." I stand by that even today. Boyhood however, is something that is a once in a lifetime endeavor that will be studied, criticized, admired, and bring all the discussions about film to the forefront. I feel blessed just to have watched it.
Ellar Coltrane is simply stupendous. As you watch his transformation before your eyes, his subtle and restrained performance will floor you, scene after scene, year after year. It's astounding how Coltrane interprets young Mason as a boy, bringing him through adolescence with grace, and then fully realizes what kind of man he has become. There's an intimacy in which Coltrane decides to finesse Mason upon the audience. He thoroughly cares about him, understanding his confusions, and even more, realizing his flaws. It's one of the year's most outstanding performances and one of the best delivered by any child actor.
Ethan Hawke continues to be one of the more undervalued and underutilized actors working today. Though he has three Oscar nominations to his name, two for co-writing Before Sunset and Before Midnight, and one for Best Supporting Actor in Antoine Fuqua's Training Day, I'm still unsure about how Hollywood and the world perceives his abilities. As Mason's Dad, Hawke takes his character to the brink of sheer brilliance. Showcasing an unrestrained and eager willingness to connect with his children, Dad, as he's only called in the film, is a sensational and intriguing look into fatherhood and being human. Chasing the dreams, and believing you are destined for something greater, Dad allows the audience to relish in his quest to be connected and complacent. Hawke shines once again, involving both mind and spirit, into a man we may know all too well.
As Mom, Patricia Arquette ignites the spirit in a performance that should land her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Headlining a career that has produced impressive work on TV's "Medium," as well as in films like True Romance, Arquette's prowess is her ability to be a fallen character without requiring pity or persuasion from the viewer. She interprets a woman, desperate for a connection to other aspects of her life, and reinvents the foundation of the broken mother. Arquette's beautiful yet exhilarating turn often feels like riding on the edge of a cliff, unsure if we're going in, but even more excited just to be on the ride with her. Pure and raw talent exists in her, and it's been worth the wait to finally witness it all unravel.
Richard Linklater casts his daughter Lorelei Linklater to play Samantha, Mason's older sister. Without even realizing or thinking about it, you secretly and solemnly fall in love with her transformation from girl to woman. She is every bit as brilliant as any person in the cast, delivering on all beats, allowing her awkward yet sweet demeanor to pierce through yet not forgetting her annoyance and overbearing nature in which she came. Honestly, it's a performance destined to be forgotten during the awards year but it's something I will recall for years to come.
There are other supporting players that we meet throughout the journey particularly Marco Perella and Zoe Graham, who completely make their mark during the picture.
Running at 165 minutes, this dramatic, coming-of-age epic had me just yearning for more. I wanted to stay with them, see their journeys continue, and just relish in this dream a bit longer. I walked out secretly (or not so secretly) wishing that Linklater is quietly filming these same characters for the next twelve years, and will not reveal the plans until it's all finished. Talk about the surprise of my life. At 42 years old when and if that happens, I will be excited for the ride.
Shot gorgeously by Lee Daniel and Shane F. Kelly, and edited with clarity and love by Sandra Adair, Boyhood succeeds as a technical marvel just as much as a narrative and performance piece. Linklater's writing, on virtually every level, is the best thing since Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Originality, and taking a fresh perspective on a genre that could feel stale for some, Linklater will make you a believer again. His direction is even more impressive. It's the single best thing that he's ever done and probably ever will do. It's the pinnacle of his career, and is his offering to cinema for all-time.
In essence, Linklater's Boyhood is a must-see film for any lover of the movies. It's the type of film that was imagined when they invented film. With tears in my eyes, I marveled and wept for a creation I still may not fully understand but am anxiously waiting to revisit very soon.
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Starring Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, and Lorelei Linklater, Boyhood assembles the finest cast of 2014 so far. Each player, dedicating themselves to the greater cause, allows themselves to evolve. Fully realized, and oozed with every rich element of movie making, Linklater writes the most authentic characters to grace the screens in years. Ready for more hyperbolic thoughts? Doesn't make it less true but get ready. Boyhood, potentially, could be one of the best films ever made. Last year, I referred to his third installment of the Before series, "a masterpiece." I stand by that even today. Boyhood however, is something that is a once in a lifetime endeavor that will be studied, criticized, admired, and bring all the discussions about film to the forefront. I feel blessed just to have watched it.
Ellar Coltrane is simply stupendous. As you watch his transformation before your eyes, his subtle and restrained performance will floor you, scene after scene, year after year. It's astounding how Coltrane interprets young Mason as a boy, bringing him through adolescence with grace, and then fully realizes what kind of man he has become. There's an intimacy in which Coltrane decides to finesse Mason upon the audience. He thoroughly cares about him, understanding his confusions, and even more, realizing his flaws. It's one of the year's most outstanding performances and one of the best delivered by any child actor.
Ethan Hawke continues to be one of the more undervalued and underutilized actors working today. Though he has three Oscar nominations to his name, two for co-writing Before Sunset and Before Midnight, and one for Best Supporting Actor in Antoine Fuqua's Training Day, I'm still unsure about how Hollywood and the world perceives his abilities. As Mason's Dad, Hawke takes his character to the brink of sheer brilliance. Showcasing an unrestrained and eager willingness to connect with his children, Dad, as he's only called in the film, is a sensational and intriguing look into fatherhood and being human. Chasing the dreams, and believing you are destined for something greater, Dad allows the audience to relish in his quest to be connected and complacent. Hawke shines once again, involving both mind and spirit, into a man we may know all too well.
As Mom, Patricia Arquette ignites the spirit in a performance that should land her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Headlining a career that has produced impressive work on TV's "Medium," as well as in films like True Romance, Arquette's prowess is her ability to be a fallen character without requiring pity or persuasion from the viewer. She interprets a woman, desperate for a connection to other aspects of her life, and reinvents the foundation of the broken mother. Arquette's beautiful yet exhilarating turn often feels like riding on the edge of a cliff, unsure if we're going in, but even more excited just to be on the ride with her. Pure and raw talent exists in her, and it's been worth the wait to finally witness it all unravel.
Richard Linklater casts his daughter Lorelei Linklater to play Samantha, Mason's older sister. Without even realizing or thinking about it, you secretly and solemnly fall in love with her transformation from girl to woman. She is every bit as brilliant as any person in the cast, delivering on all beats, allowing her awkward yet sweet demeanor to pierce through yet not forgetting her annoyance and overbearing nature in which she came. Honestly, it's a performance destined to be forgotten during the awards year but it's something I will recall for years to come.
There are other supporting players that we meet throughout the journey particularly Marco Perella and Zoe Graham, who completely make their mark during the picture.
Running at 165 minutes, this dramatic, coming-of-age epic had me just yearning for more. I wanted to stay with them, see their journeys continue, and just relish in this dream a bit longer. I walked out secretly (or not so secretly) wishing that Linklater is quietly filming these same characters for the next twelve years, and will not reveal the plans until it's all finished. Talk about the surprise of my life. At 42 years old when and if that happens, I will be excited for the ride.
Shot gorgeously by Lee Daniel and Shane F. Kelly, and edited with clarity and love by Sandra Adair, Boyhood succeeds as a technical marvel just as much as a narrative and performance piece. Linklater's writing, on virtually every level, is the best thing since Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Originality, and taking a fresh perspective on a genre that could feel stale for some, Linklater will make you a believer again. His direction is even more impressive. It's the single best thing that he's ever done and probably ever will do. It's the pinnacle of his career, and is his offering to cinema for all-time.
In essence, Linklater's Boyhood is a must-see film for any lover of the movies. It's the type of film that was imagined when they invented film. With tears in my eyes, I marveled and wept for a creation I still may not fully understand but am anxiously waiting to revisit very soon.
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- ClaytonDavis
- Jul 8, 2014
- Permalink
'Boyhood' has a very unique and intriguing concept, in fact there has not been a concept like it (with taking 12 years to make and being encompassed over 12 years as well). But that is not the only selling point of the film, despite what the detractors have unfairly said.
Granted, 'Boyhood' is not for all tastes, although it was almost unanimously praised by critics the IMDb reviews are much more divisive. This reviewer totally understands why people dislike, even flat out hate it, and shares some of their criticisms, and generally hates the incredibly condescending way they have been expressed, nobody who legitimately liked 'Boyhood' for perfectly valid reasons wants to feel that it is a criminal offence to like it, let alone love it.
Does this reviewer think it is quite as good as the hype and critics say? Not quite. Does she think it is a very good, conceptually daring and in some ways misunderstood film, and towards the better end of the films released in 2014? Yes. It does have its problems, it is a case of two inconsistent halves with a great emotion-filled, honest, nostalgic and richly developed first half and a second half where the pace slackens, the story meanders and there are moments of awkwardness.
Ellar Coltrane's performance is also uneven, he is excellent in the first half with a real sense of honesty and integrity, where the protagonist is much more interesting and likable, but rather stilted and not as involved in the second half. The editing is also choppy in places and although a vast majority of the performances are fantastic Lorelei Linklater is somewhat dull as Samantha and would never pass for Mason's sister.
However, aside from the editing 'Boyhood' looks very accomplished with evocative production values and is beautifully filmed. Richard Linklater directs with a real generosity and lightness of touch. The script honest, poignant, thought-provoking and sometimes harrowing, and while not everything about the story works it has a real sense of nostalgia and richly rewarding in its emotional content. Really do not agree that nothing happens, it has a long running time and is deliberate in pacing but this reviewer really loved 'Boyhood's' understatedness, sincerity and subtlety as well as its spontaneity.
Characters are interesting and developed, especially Ethan Hawke's and Patricia Arquette's. Hawke and Arquette are also the standouts in the cast, and deservedly garnered Oscar nominations which Arquette won. Arquette is particularly outstanding, with a genuine fullness of emotion and authority with no sense of over-acting or self-indulgence. Hawke also gives a compelling real performance.
In conclusion, a very intriguing and very good film. Not quite as good as it's hyped to be but it has many more merits than the detractors lead you to believe.
While the criticisms are understandable, this reviewer is having a hard time believing that there are those who cite 'Boyhood' as the worst film they've ever seen, or one of them. There are far worse out there, that are amateurishly made, ineptly directed, terribly acted and written even worse, distinctions that regardless of whether you hate it 'Boyhood belongs nowhere near in any of them. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Granted, 'Boyhood' is not for all tastes, although it was almost unanimously praised by critics the IMDb reviews are much more divisive. This reviewer totally understands why people dislike, even flat out hate it, and shares some of their criticisms, and generally hates the incredibly condescending way they have been expressed, nobody who legitimately liked 'Boyhood' for perfectly valid reasons wants to feel that it is a criminal offence to like it, let alone love it.
Does this reviewer think it is quite as good as the hype and critics say? Not quite. Does she think it is a very good, conceptually daring and in some ways misunderstood film, and towards the better end of the films released in 2014? Yes. It does have its problems, it is a case of two inconsistent halves with a great emotion-filled, honest, nostalgic and richly developed first half and a second half where the pace slackens, the story meanders and there are moments of awkwardness.
Ellar Coltrane's performance is also uneven, he is excellent in the first half with a real sense of honesty and integrity, where the protagonist is much more interesting and likable, but rather stilted and not as involved in the second half. The editing is also choppy in places and although a vast majority of the performances are fantastic Lorelei Linklater is somewhat dull as Samantha and would never pass for Mason's sister.
However, aside from the editing 'Boyhood' looks very accomplished with evocative production values and is beautifully filmed. Richard Linklater directs with a real generosity and lightness of touch. The script honest, poignant, thought-provoking and sometimes harrowing, and while not everything about the story works it has a real sense of nostalgia and richly rewarding in its emotional content. Really do not agree that nothing happens, it has a long running time and is deliberate in pacing but this reviewer really loved 'Boyhood's' understatedness, sincerity and subtlety as well as its spontaneity.
Characters are interesting and developed, especially Ethan Hawke's and Patricia Arquette's. Hawke and Arquette are also the standouts in the cast, and deservedly garnered Oscar nominations which Arquette won. Arquette is particularly outstanding, with a genuine fullness of emotion and authority with no sense of over-acting or self-indulgence. Hawke also gives a compelling real performance.
In conclusion, a very intriguing and very good film. Not quite as good as it's hyped to be but it has many more merits than the detractors lead you to believe.
While the criticisms are understandable, this reviewer is having a hard time believing that there are those who cite 'Boyhood' as the worst film they've ever seen, or one of them. There are far worse out there, that are amateurishly made, ineptly directed, terribly acted and written even worse, distinctions that regardless of whether you hate it 'Boyhood belongs nowhere near in any of them. 8/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jul 4, 2016
- Permalink
This film has touched me in a way no other film ever has before (or likely ever will again).
It spoke to and connected with me on a fundamental level that I never knew cinema could reach. This truly is a masterpiece and anyone, anywhere can relate to this and smile, laugh and cry at it because it is so quintessentially relatable.
This film explores the concept of life, something which is both incredibly difficult and risky to do; but don't worry, it does it expertly and makes you forget any doubts you may have had.
It has made me look back on my own childhood and relive it both through my own eyes and through those of the people who love me the most. It forced me to ask myself: as I was growing up, what were my parents thinking to themselves as they saw me mature and transform into an adult?
And it has given me a look into my future as well. I now know how beautiful, perfect and somewhat tragic it will be to have children and watch them grow from small, curious, imaginative children into thoughtful, mature and independent adults.
Everything from the cast to the cinematography is stellar and unbeatable. Even the soundtrack is perfect!
And let's not forget perhaps the most amazing thing about the entire film: it is filmed over the course of twelve years with the same actors. This means you literally get to watch these characters grow up on screen. It's incredulous yet also heartbreaking because it truly forces us to come to the realisation that life is not a timeless experience and it does indeed end for us all. Whether we like it or not, one day we will look back and inevitably ask ourselves: where on earth did the time go?
Get out there and make the most of your life - because you'd better believe it's too short. That is what this film whispers to you as it touches your soul.
I'm still thinking about this film. And I know I will be weeks, months, likely even years from now. It has so many life lessons and moments we all have in our lives that we will cherish forever and it manages to sculpt them all together into this gorgeous and immaculate work of art.
Thank you Mr. Linklater and all of those who played a part in making this masterpiece come to life. I have struggled for years to select a film to christen my favourite of all time; however this struggle is now over.
Boyhood is my favourite film of all time. It is beautiful, utterly thought-provoking, emotionally engaging, and different. Which is perhaps the most unbelievable part of it all; whilst emphasising to the viewer how similar we all are and how we all go through this very same process of growing up, this film manages to stand out.
It is no wonder this film has won three Golden Globes and will undoubtedly win several Oscars as well.
If there is any film in all of existence every person on the planet should make a point of viewing, it's this one.
It spoke to and connected with me on a fundamental level that I never knew cinema could reach. This truly is a masterpiece and anyone, anywhere can relate to this and smile, laugh and cry at it because it is so quintessentially relatable.
This film explores the concept of life, something which is both incredibly difficult and risky to do; but don't worry, it does it expertly and makes you forget any doubts you may have had.
It has made me look back on my own childhood and relive it both through my own eyes and through those of the people who love me the most. It forced me to ask myself: as I was growing up, what were my parents thinking to themselves as they saw me mature and transform into an adult?
And it has given me a look into my future as well. I now know how beautiful, perfect and somewhat tragic it will be to have children and watch them grow from small, curious, imaginative children into thoughtful, mature and independent adults.
Everything from the cast to the cinematography is stellar and unbeatable. Even the soundtrack is perfect!
And let's not forget perhaps the most amazing thing about the entire film: it is filmed over the course of twelve years with the same actors. This means you literally get to watch these characters grow up on screen. It's incredulous yet also heartbreaking because it truly forces us to come to the realisation that life is not a timeless experience and it does indeed end for us all. Whether we like it or not, one day we will look back and inevitably ask ourselves: where on earth did the time go?
Get out there and make the most of your life - because you'd better believe it's too short. That is what this film whispers to you as it touches your soul.
I'm still thinking about this film. And I know I will be weeks, months, likely even years from now. It has so many life lessons and moments we all have in our lives that we will cherish forever and it manages to sculpt them all together into this gorgeous and immaculate work of art.
Thank you Mr. Linklater and all of those who played a part in making this masterpiece come to life. I have struggled for years to select a film to christen my favourite of all time; however this struggle is now over.
Boyhood is my favourite film of all time. It is beautiful, utterly thought-provoking, emotionally engaging, and different. Which is perhaps the most unbelievable part of it all; whilst emphasising to the viewer how similar we all are and how we all go through this very same process of growing up, this film manages to stand out.
It is no wonder this film has won three Golden Globes and will undoubtedly win several Oscars as well.
If there is any film in all of existence every person on the planet should make a point of viewing, it's this one.
- LiamCullen6
- Jan 23, 2015
- Permalink
I was nervous going in because I wanted Boyhood to be good. In fact, I wanted it to be spectacular. I've been a fan of Richard Linklater's career since I watched Before Sunrise (a viewing of Before Sunset quickly followed) back in 2010. His ability to capture an experience, a culture, a generation, and a life and translate it into film in such a way that is utterly beguiling, yet doesn't feel manipulated is staggering to watch. News of Boyhood reached me around this time last year, and before I knew much about it, I was hooked. A film from Richard Linklater about a young man growing up around the same time I did? And 12 years of filming were dedicated? It was going to be spectacular. So much for nothing in life being certain.
Allow me, if you will, to avoid the part where I colorfully unpeel Boyhood's dynamics, hinting along the way how well it fairs against everything I've seen. IT. IS. UNBELIEVABLE. The script, the execution, the profoundness, and seamless integration of time are nothing short of astonishing. Subdued in nature as it may be, Boyhood is a vivid, captivating, all-consuming assault on the senses. Not only that, there is a deep seated quality to everything it does. And the viewer is absolutely at the core of the experience. Each element has been created and tuned to allow you to express yourself anyway you wish. And that amazing focus has produced a breathtaking film.
From a technical standpoint, it's everything I've come to expect from Linklater, only finished to a higher standard. Boyhood is a film about life. The script has no rising action, climax, or falling action. There is no plot driven by a narrative driven by a goal. Nothing feels manipulated. Linklater's directing is level-headed and controlled, with quick cuts to whoever is talking and a lack of camera motion for a truly first-person omniscient feel. You are observing, but not fully knowing. And the cinematography... was there even a cinematographer? Boyhood's sets look so painfully boring because everything looks so natural, the background fades and allows 100% of your focus to be on the characters.
Despite a silent car ride home and very much conducive analysis, my brain is STILL buffering from the mind-blowing quality of it all. I wonder how I will view my words when this high subsides. My final scattered thought is this; The best moments in film are when it comes across something; a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things that you'd thought was special and particular to you. And here it is, set down by someone else, a person you've never met. And it's as if a hand has come out and taken yours. That is what Richard Linklater has done. Boyhood is a great film. More importantly it's a great film from Richard Linklater. Maybe even the greatest. and his career is here to stay.
Allow me, if you will, to avoid the part where I colorfully unpeel Boyhood's dynamics, hinting along the way how well it fairs against everything I've seen. IT. IS. UNBELIEVABLE. The script, the execution, the profoundness, and seamless integration of time are nothing short of astonishing. Subdued in nature as it may be, Boyhood is a vivid, captivating, all-consuming assault on the senses. Not only that, there is a deep seated quality to everything it does. And the viewer is absolutely at the core of the experience. Each element has been created and tuned to allow you to express yourself anyway you wish. And that amazing focus has produced a breathtaking film.
From a technical standpoint, it's everything I've come to expect from Linklater, only finished to a higher standard. Boyhood is a film about life. The script has no rising action, climax, or falling action. There is no plot driven by a narrative driven by a goal. Nothing feels manipulated. Linklater's directing is level-headed and controlled, with quick cuts to whoever is talking and a lack of camera motion for a truly first-person omniscient feel. You are observing, but not fully knowing. And the cinematography... was there even a cinematographer? Boyhood's sets look so painfully boring because everything looks so natural, the background fades and allows 100% of your focus to be on the characters.
Despite a silent car ride home and very much conducive analysis, my brain is STILL buffering from the mind-blowing quality of it all. I wonder how I will view my words when this high subsides. My final scattered thought is this; The best moments in film are when it comes across something; a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things that you'd thought was special and particular to you. And here it is, set down by someone else, a person you've never met. And it's as if a hand has come out and taken yours. That is what Richard Linklater has done. Boyhood is a great film. More importantly it's a great film from Richard Linklater. Maybe even the greatest. and his career is here to stay.
- Joe_Chadowski
- Jul 26, 2014
- Permalink
Richard Linklater's Boyhood filmed over the span of 12 years featuring the life of young Mason (and to a lesser extent, his sister) from boyhood until the verge of adulthood. His parents are divorced, his dad comes to see them at some weekends, they move house, sometimes forcibly as one of the step-dad's turns out to be a violent alcoholic.
As he becomes older Mason becomes a bit of a goth and supposedly aimless. His mom still has difficulties to sustain long term relationships, his dad has remarried and had children from his second wife. The Mason at the end of the film with an interest in photography, working in a fast food outlet, about to go away to college still has not realised what he wants in life.
There is no straight narrative, no overarching plot which has upset some critics. There are plenty of set ups where you think the film would go one way and they do not go anywhere. What you could say Chekhov's guns that remain unfired. In a sense the film shows the randomness of life where people and situations flit in and out.
Observations I would make that the film does feel at times like a slog. I think the film does not entirely succeed and looks more like an experimental film. Linklater has form with the Sunrise/Sunset films with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. However as it was being filmed the characters discuss current events around the time it happened from 9/11 to the Iraq invasion to Obama's election victory.
When I was a teenager I had trouble walking and chewing gum at the same time I can relate to the issues facing Mason as a teenager. It looks like growing up today still throws up the same concerns now than it did during my time. You muddle through life and so do your parents who you thought would know better.
The film speaks about the ambiguous status of the family unit in modern society with half siblings, step siblings, step fathers, live in partner's especially when these relations break apart. At one point we see Mason's mother living with an ex-soldier, it seems they were never married and he was at one point taking care of the family. Maybe this is all part of what it is like to live in 21st century America.
When Mason's mother leaves her second husband due to his alcohol fuelled abuse, she leaves the house with Mason and his sister but leaves his own two children behind with him. She tells them that she has contacted social services but you never find out what happened to those two kids and it looks that Mason and his sister never had further contact with them even though they got on well and of course as the years go on we have the rise of social networking sites. Surely they would have Facebooked each other.
The randomness of life is reinforced where we see a plumber who is encouraged by Mason's mum to go to college who pops up many years later. It seems he took her advice and bettered himself.
There is no doubt that Boyhood is an ambitious film project. An intriguing premise which has left some people raving about it, others dismissing it as empty and boring. I am in the middle, a film that has something to offer but does not always deliver.
As he becomes older Mason becomes a bit of a goth and supposedly aimless. His mom still has difficulties to sustain long term relationships, his dad has remarried and had children from his second wife. The Mason at the end of the film with an interest in photography, working in a fast food outlet, about to go away to college still has not realised what he wants in life.
There is no straight narrative, no overarching plot which has upset some critics. There are plenty of set ups where you think the film would go one way and they do not go anywhere. What you could say Chekhov's guns that remain unfired. In a sense the film shows the randomness of life where people and situations flit in and out.
Observations I would make that the film does feel at times like a slog. I think the film does not entirely succeed and looks more like an experimental film. Linklater has form with the Sunrise/Sunset films with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. However as it was being filmed the characters discuss current events around the time it happened from 9/11 to the Iraq invasion to Obama's election victory.
When I was a teenager I had trouble walking and chewing gum at the same time I can relate to the issues facing Mason as a teenager. It looks like growing up today still throws up the same concerns now than it did during my time. You muddle through life and so do your parents who you thought would know better.
The film speaks about the ambiguous status of the family unit in modern society with half siblings, step siblings, step fathers, live in partner's especially when these relations break apart. At one point we see Mason's mother living with an ex-soldier, it seems they were never married and he was at one point taking care of the family. Maybe this is all part of what it is like to live in 21st century America.
When Mason's mother leaves her second husband due to his alcohol fuelled abuse, she leaves the house with Mason and his sister but leaves his own two children behind with him. She tells them that she has contacted social services but you never find out what happened to those two kids and it looks that Mason and his sister never had further contact with them even though they got on well and of course as the years go on we have the rise of social networking sites. Surely they would have Facebooked each other.
The randomness of life is reinforced where we see a plumber who is encouraged by Mason's mum to go to college who pops up many years later. It seems he took her advice and bettered himself.
There is no doubt that Boyhood is an ambitious film project. An intriguing premise which has left some people raving about it, others dismissing it as empty and boring. I am in the middle, a film that has something to offer but does not always deliver.
- Prismark10
- Mar 21, 2015
- Permalink
Most people who love movies know by now that Richard Linklater is a unique and special filmmaker. He has crafted at least a couple of masterpieces already. This film is one of Linklater's best yet, and that's saying something. Hollywood usually doesn't dare to make films this genuine, this introspective, this meaningful. The film is beautiful, it's not just Hollywood slop entertainment, this film is art amongst the rubbish. Boyhood truly is a landmark film, one that will not soon be forgotten. Forget the 2014 Guardians of the Galaxy hype, leave that to the kids and the lazy minded, this is the film to see!
8.5/10
8.5/10
- TheAnimalMother
- Sep 26, 2014
- Permalink
- drew_atreides
- Aug 14, 2014
- Permalink
I don't know of many movies I've given a 10 to (other than The Godfather which I saw in theaters as a boy).
This movie is simply brilliant. Incredibly realistic. Has to be a major favorite to win Best Picture. One of the most unique films ever made.
Ethan Hawke is the most real person in any movie I've seen. Really all the actors reflect that reality (though Hawke is exceptional).
See this movie. It was a joy to watch. It will be a joy.
My only disappointment is that I want it to go on and on and never end. Maybe Linkater and the rest of the crew will continue the story? That would be fantastic.
This movie is simply brilliant. Incredibly realistic. Has to be a major favorite to win Best Picture. One of the most unique films ever made.
Ethan Hawke is the most real person in any movie I've seen. Really all the actors reflect that reality (though Hawke is exceptional).
See this movie. It was a joy to watch. It will be a joy.
My only disappointment is that I want it to go on and on and never end. Maybe Linkater and the rest of the crew will continue the story? That would be fantastic.
- youngman44
- Aug 28, 2014
- Permalink
- laura_macleod
- Jul 16, 2014
- Permalink
- GeorgeRoots
- Aug 6, 2014
- Permalink