Actuakers One of my all time favorites.

Mjeteconer Just perfect...

VeteranLight I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

Lidia Draper Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

g-boyle3 I haven't really watched an intense movie in a while and it took watching Boy A to really make me aware of that fact. This movie was overwhelming. I didn't really know what to expect before watching this but I don't think there is anything I could have done to prepare myself for such a harrowing ride. The movie revolves around Jack/Eric an underage offender and we are introduced to him as he is just released from prison. He must integrate back into society under a false identity and at a difficult age considering what he's missed out on . The nature and extent of his heinous crime is slowly revealed to us making for a more dramatic film and it gives us a chance to develop a bond with his character before judging him straight away. When Jack/Eric is released from prison he has the naivety of a child and this is shown to us through his social interactions and how inexperienced he is with the most common tasks such as ordering food. This is actually a remarkable movie it's so authentic in every way possible the scene from the night out is all too familiar. When they were in the taxi reflecting on the night whilst being out of their minds.... well it was like deja vu. The director more than convinced me that Jack was entitled to a second chance no matter how atrocious the crime he had committed. He served his time, was remorseful, and by nature was not an evil person. He was just an underprivileged child in need of guidance and sought it in a best friend that was subjected to even more torment than he. An extremely intelligent movie, from the beginning everyone turned their backs on him and in the end nothing had changed leaving jack to feel as if he were alone once more with nowhere to turn. I have to add that I never liked Andrew Garfield as an actor but this was truly a riveting performance. He succeeded in capturing the intensity of his character and has forced me to reconsider my judgment of him.

tantriclady507 This film accurately portrays the realities of the subject admirably. The acting by the lead character is top notch and all the issues are played out. Unexpectedly a feel-good film in part as the joys of the main character take us along and allow us to be glad for the lives and freedoms we have. A good solid film with excellent characters.The sets and locations provide a noticeably stark background, devoid of warmth. The story provides just enough unresolved mysteries to keep us wondering. A well crafted film seamlessly executed.Most memorable quote: "I am not that boy anymore, I'm not that boy".This film shows us the true dynamics of this type of situation. Be prepared to be educated.

Jim Gilligan "Boy A" is a very difficult movie. It's also a very good movie—which makes it even more difficult. The story it tells, of Jack Burridge (a reformed convict who re-enters society after having served time in prison for a heinous crime he committed as a child), straddles the line between righteousness and sympathy. The film's narrative is structured perfectly— the story of the present-day Jack is intercut with flashbacks to his previous life as Eric, and just as our sympathy for Jack has reached its height, we are confronted with the grim reality of his past crime. Moral complications abound—just as Jack seems to have attained some stability in his new life, an act of selfless heroism thrusts him into the media spotlight, creating tragic implications. Andrew Garfield is masterful as Jack, and the largely unknown supporting cast is solid. Not a movie for those who like their films unambiguous, but if you've ever wondered what life might be like when your deepest, darkest secret is exposed, you will not be able to tear your eyes away from this one.

Rodrigo Amaro A horrible crime was committed. The young perpetrators paid their price in jail. One of them is about to be released and he'll try to start a new life. Everybody needs a second chance. But does everyone agree on that? Punishment was already made or it must be equal to the one he committed in the past? In the amazing "Boy A" Andrew Garfield plays the title role, his name while during his trial for killing a child, along with a friend. Now he's out of prison, with a different name, Jack, and he's going to rebuilt his life along with his protective rehabilitation worker Terry (Peter Mullan) who'll help him find a job and everything he needs. Simple as that? No. Jack is still haunted by the ghosts of the past, often reminding of how he end up doing what he did and also thinking his future might be ruined if people discover the truth. His work colleagues and his girlfriend know he did something to be imprisoned but they don't know what. Things would be the same if he reveals the truth to them, now that he's settled, quite happy and things aren't so tough anymore? But destiny has its odd surprises...Carefully constructed over an quiet, dramatic and tense atmosphere "Boy A" moves to so many directions without being confusing or problematic. It moves back and forth with Jack's new life and his life as a kid, giving us through the whole film an incredible sense of doubt if he really did committed a murder or not. The story greatly presents themes of redemption, love, friendship, humanism, it's all good but I had the sense that somehow, if you look carefully and closer to the elements given here in this story, you'll find some issues that can and will bother some viewers (although I think almost anyone haven't noticed such issues). Here they come: Sure, it's totally laudable to tell a story about someone who made a mistake, now needs a second chance, we can care about those things, we feel sorry for the young man. I know this was adapted from a book so they had to follow it's base but here's where my point of view tries to reach: Would we care for this film if Jack was portrayed by a more average type of actor, not so cute like Garfield or of a different race? Maybe, maybe not but it certainly would have less importance than this film has and "Boy A" is a great achievement because Andrew Garfield does an extremely convincingly job in the main role, and that was used by the director as a way to manipulate their audiences in the sense you must forgive the criminal, you can't condemn him to more punishments than the ones he already got. And you do feel lots of sympathy towards Jack/Garfield that's why I think the challenge made the film worth it (to an incredible number of viewers just look at the positive reviews here on the site) but this same cause might not work to some people, specially close-minded ones. Please don't get me wrong because I'm giving these remarks and a 10 star rating for this film; it's not contradictory. I'm just like what Terry is to Jack, he knows the young guy is imperfect, knows what he did but he cares for him in high esteem, no matter what. Same thing here between me and this film! Now launched as the new Spiderman and the memorable Eduardo Saverin of "The Social Network", Garfield must be highly noted for his performance here. If you haven't seen it run for it! He plays an difficult role portraying many different emotions into just one character, a man with a heavy burden to carry trying to unload part of it with his new life even though he's forever attached to his past. He really amazes us by showing what a guilty conscience is, it's that kind of feeling of never letting things go even when you know it's far behind you. Supporting him in great style is Peter Mullan, who plays an interesting figure in Jack's life, a man more proud of this boy even with all the things he done rather than feeling some admiration for his own teenage son, of whom he isn't so close after some problems in the family.At last but not least I loved this film for the small things that made the whole difference in the story, the minimal and almost unnoticed thing it occurs here: the importance of a good family structure. Lifes were shattered and never were the same if people would only pay attention to that little boy, who turned out to ruin another family lives and the story goes and on and on. Dramatically effective, quite realistic (inspired in the events of James Bulger case) and very well made this film is a must see for those who like involving stories and are not afraid of feeling sad or depressed through the whole journey. It certainly will reward you. 10/10