apparently doing a degree and is really bad at blogging. like, seriously. look at the dates. it's bad.

I think I've found a new favourite film. I also think it is not going to move from this position. Ever. Reviewing films/books/a...

review| boyhood.



I think I've found a new favourite film. I also think it is not going to move from this position. Ever.

Reviewing films/books/any other thing I could talk about is something I've wanted to try for a while, and so I thought why not start with something I loved, so here we go!
For those who are unaware, Boyhood is a coming of age film about a boy named Mason and follows his life from a small child up until leaving for college. The thing that is so interesting and unique about this film is the fact that every single character was played by the same person over a twelve year period, so these actors and characters really were growing up on screen. 

I have an undeniable interest and love for films that show people as people instead of an ideal character that the audience cannot reach, and I believe that every character is real and relatable. We see struggles the family go through, and how these develop the characters and their attitudes to life without it delving into melodrama or unnecessary issues or pain being brought up. It stays very close to truth and realism which just adds to the relatability.

Another way it stays close to realism is the fact that all the different topics covered were filmed in real time and so things such as the Harry Potter book being released and the rise in social media all coincided with my age at that time. It let me reminisce on times in my childhood that I maybe had forgotten about, for example the excitement every time a new Harry Potter was released, and it was refreshing to see it captured in film form. It also struck a chord with me in regards to Mason's later years of high school, with his interest in photography and yet not working hard enough in class and his relationship, and it truly felt like I had stopped watching a film and instead was just watching a boy grow up into the person he wanted to be.

The way the film ended filled me with a lot of hope and genuinely made me happier. I will not delve into too much detail of the plot just in case I spoil it, but as someone who does fear the future and the fact I still have no clue what to do in further education, the end made me realise a few things.

I can see why this film has generically amazing reviews, but can also see how some people can see the lack of appeal. It is almost three hours and if realistic films are not to your fancy you may find it incredibly boring, but I find everything from the editing and cinematography to the performances and soundtrack perfect and I really do respect how twelve years of work added together to create a truly realistic and inspiring piece of film. 

xx

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