Felix (2007)

12-year-old Felix (Max Wrobel) has been chatting online with a girl from his city for quite a while. Yet even though they live nearby, he always makes excuses when the idea of meeting in person pops up. She is a deaf-mute and to win her over he tells her that he also can’t hear or speak.

Felix videotapes himself practicing sign language at home – recordings that, watched out of context, really puzzle his parents when they eventually discover them in his room.

When Felix finally agrees to meet the girl he has been chatting with – his overprotective mother shows up, and things take an unexpected turn…

The 2007 German short film, directed by Andreas Utta, features a bittersweet, feel-good story about an unconventional friendship and first-love — both endangered by insincerity. The story is beautiful in its simplicity and provides a candid look into the delicate world of adolescence.

The only things missing here are the initial set-up (which ideally would have provided us with more details about the way Felix and his friend have met) and more insights into their unique personalities. These omissions could be the result of the limited time in the short-film format, yet it somehow results in an emotional distance. While one appreciates the original, well-shot and well-acted story, identifying with the protagonists is restricted by the lack of information about them.

https://youtu.be/aalcuF5lmoE

[imdb]https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1241214/reference[/imdb]

Introducing Daniel Porter

Most of the singers we have introduced on this site as budding young performers are now grown-ups with successful carriers. But, while we still follow them (because, after all, Coming-of-Age is hardly a term that’s only applied to a specific genre in cinema), its an absolute joy to discover up and coming musicians such as Daniel Porter — a 14 year old (at the time of this writing) guitar player and singer from the UK.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfy1T6oF08c

Undoubtedly Daniel has always harbored his passion for music and guitar, but he had just started to share it more openly with the world about a year ago when his social media channels were launched. In the short time since then, he has managed to gain a significant following – a clear attestation of his talent!

Whether it’s in the way he carries himself or the way he looks and performs, every time I watch one of his videos it reminds me of John Carney’s 2016 flick Sing Street (a must watch for every young singer, his parents, friends …and just about anyone else) both have that “indie vibe”.

But back to Daniel… Some of the videos on his YouTube channel show him busking on the streets, and it doesn’t take much to discover that, aside from the sheer fun of it, he is doing it to support environmental charities. A quick check on this site will often reveal several other singers we’ve featured seen busking on the streets. Some examples are: Daniel Shaw from Australia, Daniel J from the UK (wait a minute – Daniel, Daniel, Daniel…hmm no its just your imagination) and Sam Verlinden from New Zealand.

http://youtu.be/O5Fs7NEL2BM

But of course, if I have to think of any virtuous guitar player to compare Daniel with – without any doubt the name that comes first to mind is Griffin Tucker. Unlike our late author and music reviewer Rjmendera who, as a musician himself, could analyze the skills of a young musician in detail, my own skills in that regard focus on general observations and overall admiration. It doesn’t take much to hear, see, and sense Daniel’s talent, and I would encourage you to experience more of his music while visiting his YouTube channel.

Some recent clips with his guitar teacher reveal that he is working on perfecting his art. I would recommend that he check out some of the videos of Ulrik Munther — such as Boys Don’t Cry. Munther is a performer who could be a splendid source of inspiration for any young performer.

Rock and Roll, Jazz, he studies them all. But it’s not just music he studies. Daniel Porter is attending acting classes at Talent1st in Nottingham, so I would not be surprised to have him featured as a lead in future film reviews to be published on this site.

For more about Daniel visit: Daniel Porter Positively Prolific Performer

Last Summer (2018)

Beautifully shot and immaculately acted, Jon Jones‘s 2018 film Last Summer relates the tale of four young boys whose lives change forever when a horrific tragedy uproots their childlike innocence.

The opening introduces the characters by placing them in a typical juvenile environment (a group of friends goofing off on a lazy summer day), followed by surprising and heart-wrenching twists of fate. Yet, just as one gets involved with the story, it soon loses its edge.

The film’s stylistic and overall emotional atmosphere reminds me of Rob Reiner‘s classic Coming-of-Age film Stand by Me. That both films share common themes is evident from Last Summer’s poignant and accurate tagline: “The end of innocence, the beginning of a true friendship.”

Unfortunately, I found that it also suffers from the same loose and discursive plot structure I have highlighted as an issue in my review of the similarly themed Hide Your Smiling Faces (Directed by Daniel Patrick). Thankfully, the scenes in Last Summer retain some of their dramatics due to the musical score and the poignant performances of its actors.

scene from last summer — A scene from Last Summer (2018)

The film’s casting serves as a prime redeeming factor of its plot imperfections. The child actors all make their debuts in the film. Despite their lack of experience (or quite possibly because of it), they deliver natural performances characterized by a poignant intimacy.

Official Trailer

The vulnerability of their characters is seen (and felt) throughout the film. This is especially true for the role of Davie. Casting Noa Thomas to portray his character is a wise choice. Despite his boyish look, his voice has started to change – giving him a unique timbre that further enhances the tender boundary between childhood and adulthood.

Last Summer possesses the unique charm of independent Coming-of-Age cinema and, while not perfect, won’t make you regret the time invested in watching it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt7406704/

Last Summer (2018)

In short

Beautifully shot and immaculately acted, Last Summer relates the tale of four young boys whose lives change forever when a horrific tragedy uproots their childlike innocence.

You willl love

Beautiful Cinematography

Emotive music score

First class acting

You may not like

Vague storyline

Sub-par performance of the adult cast

4.2

Our Rating

The New Kid (2015)

A must-see! Yes, it is unconventional to open a film review with its conclusion, but the final credits just rolled, and I have a big smile on my face and can’t wait to tell you about Rudi Rosenberg‘s The New Kid (Original title: Le nouveau).

The New Kid is a Coming-of-Age flick that delivers the right doses of comedy and drama to engage and entertain. I can only come up with a few recent titles that bring so much enjoyment. Among them: Sing Street, the Russian flick 14+, Simon Says Goodbye To His Foreskin and Age of Summerhood. The New Kid combines some of the best features of all those titles – great cast, a fantastic score, accurate portrayal of teenage life and an engaging and original story.

Réphaël Ghrenassia and Johanna Lindstedt in Le nouveau (2015)

As you may have guessed from its title, The New Kid relates the story of a young boy, Benoit (Réphaël Ghrenassia), who has recently moved to Paris and is trying to fit in at his new school. The bullies are there, the misfits too, but most importantly, Johanna (Johanna Lindstedt) is a member of his class – a beautiful Swedish girl who is a newcomer herself.

The popularity contest always on, the first heartthrobs, friendships, teenage awkwardness and all – it doesn’t take long for things to get complicated for Benoit. Whoever said that adolescent life is easy?!?

Even though Réphaël Ghrenassia has the lead role, all the characters are unique and played convincingly by the young actors who portray them. To list all the names of the actors who gave great performances in the film would take too long. But it’s ensemble acting at its best, and the casting could not have been better. The high school slang used throughout the movie makes the characters so much more believable. The whole film will be hugely enjoyable for audiences of ages similar to the characters on screen, who will likely see themselves in one scene or another.

As for older audiences, the nostalgic value runs high and, having seen the film, I have only one question: Who do I have to kill to get back to that time of life? Just kidding, but on a serious note, I have been there – and who hasn’t – in love with a beautiful girl (Russian rather than Swedish in my case, though), trying to fit in, goofing around…in short, the story will take you back in time.

Trailer

Wicked, adorable and enjoyable – The New Kid is the best French Coming-of-Age film I have seen and, YES, you must watch it!

[imdb]https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3814316/reference[/imdb]

The film is with original French audio, but English subtitles are available.

The New Kid (2015)

Conclusión

The New Kid is a Coming-of-Age flick which delivers the right doses of comedy and drama to engage and entertain - the best French Coming-of-Age film I have seen. A MUST SEE!

Character/Acting

Score/Soundtrack

Cinematography

Storyline/Screenplay

Production

Direction

Reader Rating0 Votes

5

Our rating

Timmy Slays the Talent Show (2018)

Refreshing and fun, Adam Vincent Wright‘s 2018 short film, with the peculiar title Timmy Slays the Talent Show, is the perfect flick for the Tumblr/YouTube generation.

The plot of the movie highlights the conflict between generations, the freedom of expressing oneself, and close-mindedness by featuring a stereotypical overly religious and strict stepdad who disapproves of the fact that his soon-to-be son lacks masculinity and doesn’t fit it the way he believes boys should look and act.

Ten-year-old Timmy Andersen (Tanner Hagen) is a hip boy who loves bright colors, glitter and has RuPaul posters hanging on the walls of his room. His unconventional appearance and mannerisms worry the man who is soon to become his step-dad by marrying Timothy’s mother. He believes that the boy lacks masculinity and is determined to set him “straight.”

It all culminates during a community talent show in which Timothy delivers a unique dancing performance dedicated to his step-dad.

Characterization through appearance and detailed set design play an essential role in the film’s appeal. All the adjectives I used to describe the 2012 short film from Switzerland Hazel: flamboyant, quirky, funny, and provoking are a perfect fit for Timmy Slays the Talent Show as well. Only the plot is deliberately stereotypical. The character of Timmy brings parallels between Desmond is Amazing (Desmond Napoles) and Billy Elliot. After witnessing the fantastic dancing skills of Tanner Hagen at the community talent show – it doesn’t come as a surprise that Tanner played the role of Billy in the Duluth Playhouse production of Billy Elliot The Musical.

Unfortunately, the acting is mediocre at its best. Yet the message of the film (staying true to oneself) comes across successfully.

You can watch the entire film here

[imdb]https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6830616/reference[/imdb]

Timmy Slays the Talent Show (2018)

In short

4.3

Our rating

Jackrabbit (2013)

Australian cinema has traditions when it comes to the short film format, with many titles belonging to the Coming-of-Age genre. Stacie Howarth‘s Jackrabbit (2013) is such a film. Starring Nicholas Hamilton (who played the lead in the 2013 Tropfest finalist short film Time, and who has since appeared in major motion pictures such as IT and Capital Fantastic), Jackrabbit relates the tale of one boy’s struggle to protect himself and his mother and sister from the fists of his abusive father. While some of the dialogue does not inspire much credibility, the acting of the young lead is enough of a redeeming quality to compensate, even though the plot lacks any surprising twists. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for most of the other acting in the film.

Another redeeming quality of the film is the beautiful aesthetic atmosphere and cinematography. All in all, Jackrabbit is a pleasant short film with a focus on self-esteem, courage and a strong anti-violence message. Despite the lack of originality in its plot, it will not bore its viewers.

Aloud (2016)

Beautifully shot, Song Huang‘s short film Aloud captivates with its sentimental storyline, tender treble score, and competent acting performances. The protagonist of the 2016 character-driven drama is 12 year old Arden (Jonah Beres) who, in the tradition of the best Coming-of-Age narratives, will face challenges and tribulations on the way to self-discovery.

Growing up in a strict Catholic orphanage, Arden has discovered that children who partake in the school choir have better chances of adoption. Unsure of his abilities, he joins the choir but, instead of singing, he silently mouths the words. With the arrival of a new music teacher, the boy’s pretense is discovered. However, instead of punishment, he is given a chance to work on and improve his vocal skills.

The music teacher understands the phase Arden is going through and tries to boost his confidence by becoming his friend. The apparent sentimental attachment of the young man towards his music teacher is misunderstood by the head nun who steps in to break them apart.

http://vimeo.com/206162181

Thanks to the expressive depiction of a variety of emotions – from shyness to sadness, anger, confusion or determination, Jonas Beres is able to evoke sympathy to the character portrayed by him. He has been acting since he was just six years old and, aside from appearances in short films, has some lead roles in full feature movies under his belt.

A feel-good film with strong Coming-of-Age motifs and an emotive finale, Aloud delivers an excellent cinematic experience and is well worth your time.

https://vimeo.com/206162181

Aloud (2016)

Summary

A feel-good film with strong Coming-of-Age motifs and an emotive finale, Aloud delivers an excellent cinematic experience and is well worth your time.

4.8

Our score

Snow in August (2001)

In 1947 Brooklyn, 11 year old Michael Devlin (Peter Tambakis) and his friends are having a blast at the movies. Raised by his caring and high-spirited mother (Lolita Davidovich), Michael shares his friends’ passion for comics and superheroes and serves as an altar boy in the nearby cathedral. Life is good, but an unfortunate turn of events makes the boy an unwilling witness to a brutal assault when he and his friends stop by a Jewish store to get some hot dogs. The store owner gets beaten almost to death by a local thug by the name of Frankie McCarthy (Adam MacDonald).

Threatened by the bully, Michael sheepishly observes as the victim of the assault is taken away to a hospital. The local police find out that there has been a witness to the beating and soon two detectives show up at Michael’s flat and attempt to convince the boy to tell what he has seen. Fearing Frankie McCarthy’s revenge and not wanting to be labeled as squealer, the boy keeps his mouth shut.

While the secret weighs on his conscience, Michael meets a young Rabbi, Judah Hirsch (Stephen Rea), who has found his way to Brooklyn having escaped the horrors of the war in his native Czechoslovakia. Being a recent immigrant, Rabbi Judah’s English skills are quite limited- so he recruits Michael to help with them. In exchange, he offers to teach the boy Yiddish. It’s an offer, which from curiosity, Michael eagerly accepts.

Michael’s father died in the war, and while his mother is trying her best to raise her son, the boy is eagerly looking for a role model, a wise man he can emulate and the Rabbi is a good fit in that role. An unlikely friendship it might be, but soon the Rabbi and Michael become real friends. That association convinces Frankie McCarthy that the boy has ratted on him and soon Michael, and everyone he knows, find themselves in mortal peril.

For the majority of the film’s duration, the story is credible, dramatic and captivating. It features strong Coming-of-Age motifs as it portrays both the external and internal struggles of the young protagonist.

Unfortunately, as the story develops, instead of utilizing an apt metaphor for the efforts of the young boy whose struggles have earned the sympathy of the viewers, the story takes a fantasy approach. While interesting to see, the use of magic realism completely erases the emotional or dramatic impact of the story. Just as in J.A. Bayona‘s 2016 film A Monster Calls, people who enjoy fantasy-based examinations of real-life issues might enjoy the filmmaker’s approach but, to me, the story’s credibility takes a big hit when the magical element is introduced to it.

While the finale disappoints, Richard Friedenberg‘s Snow in August does not lack positive features. It has first class production design, with props, sets, costumes and musical score (jazz vibes), which allows the viewer to sense the spirit of the 1940s in the US and also features an exceptional acting performance by the entire cast. Peter Tambakis (who also has roles in other great Coming-of-Age flicks such as Joe the King, Igby Goes Down, and The Sixth Sense), manages to portray the struggles of Michael in an accurate, touching manner. That’s why I felt disappointed when the finale just about diminished the Coming-of-Age nature of the film by providing an easy, yet unrealistic, solution thus ruining an otherwise excellent movie and giving me pause to extend my recommendation wholeheartedly.

[imdb]https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0262776/reference[/imdb]

Snow in August (2001)

Summary

A young boy befriends a Jewish rabbi after witnessing a Jewish merchant being beaten up by racist thugs, leaving the boy and his mother fearful for their lives.

4

Our rating

DVD available

Amazon.com

Mid90s (2018)

Reminiscent of Larry Clark‘s Kids and Catherine Hardwicke‘s Thirteen, while placing a strong emphasis on the 90’s skate culture, Jonah Hill‘s Mid90s is one of the most refreshing Coming-of-Age dramas released in 2018.

Its story follows the experiences of Stevie (played by real-life skateboarder Sunny Suljic), a thirteen-year-old who is desperately trying to prove himself to his newfound skate buddies, but getting himself in all kinds of mischief and unfortunate situations on the way.

We have all been there — trying to find acceptance from the cool kids on the block. While the story per se does not shine with originality, its nostalgic value is high, and the film is fun to watch. The wicked skate tricks, improvised realistic dialogue (yes, that’s how teens talk and speak when no adults are around and sometimes even when they are), and uplifting old-school rock and rap musical score are perfectly timed to the story’s development and are the film’s highlights. The only other current Coming-of-Age film with a perfect soundtrack is John Carney‘s Sing Street, which is as entertaining as Mid90s, but with much milder scenes.

While the film will find its fans from among the 90’s kids who, let’s face it, are all adults now, I do not doubt that its biggest fans would be present-day teenagers, provided they find a way to watch it. But, being rebellious at heart, they will indeed find a way to do so.

It’s not hard to relate to Sunny Suljic’s character. Yet, one can’t form a solid emotional bond with him since the film’s story is presented objectively, leaving the film’s audience in the role of impersonal observers. That’s not necessarily bad as it prevents the filmmakers (and possibly even the audience) from judging the character’s life choices.

When it comes to the casting, while many of the actors (especially the younger ones) are newcomers to the film industry, they perfectly embody their respective roles: from the attentive innocence, mixed with boyish bravado and teenage angst of Sunny Suljic, to Gio Galicia‘s impressively accurate portrayal of a self-assured teenager who suddenly loses control in the battle for attention amidst his peers. All the actors manage to give depth to their characters, acting in a naturalistic manner (much like the actors in Shane Meadows‘s 2006 film This Is England).

The Coming-of-Age nuances are in abundance, yet the moral of the story is potentially tricky to spot. While the personality of the film’s protagonist changes significantly as the plot develops, there are hardly any lessons learned, making the story less preachy and more entertaining as a result.

Maybe the lack of any manipulative drama scenes will lead to your forgetting this film after the final credits roll, but you will enjoy all of its 85 minutes in the meantime.

[imdb]https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5613484/reference[/imdb]

Mid90s (2018)

Summary

Mid90s is one of the most refreshing Coming-of-Age dramas released in 2018.

4.7

Our rating

Get the DVD or Watch the film online at :

Amazon

Turning Tide (2018)

Set in Scotland during the first years of World War II, Andrew Muir‘s 2018 short film, Turning Tide, tells the story of a peculiar encounter between David, a ten-year-old Scottish boy (played by Patrick McLaughlin), and an injured German pilot.

The movie manages to capture and hold one’s attention predominately thanks to the sense of suspense sustained throughout the story by utilizing a sharp mixture of orchestral musical arrangements and editing. Gradual, methodical pacing and close-ups on the character’s faces showing their emotions, or on some action about to be performed, are the suspense building techniques utilized by the filmmakers.

One can’t help but feel empathy towards Patrick McLaughlin’s character. The curious nature of the young boy and the innocence of his tender years are easily read by observing his facial expressions — as they portray his interest, confusion, determination or fear.

The best feature of the film is undoubtedly its striking cinematography. Most scenes are aesthetically pleasing — in fact utterly beautiful to look at, skillfully composed, and shot from a variety of angles.

Unfortunately, the film’s finale doesn’t match the overall quality of the picture. While it highlights the Coming-of-Age nature of the story, it somehow misses the chance to bring in the additional drama that could have further enhanced the film’s impact on its viewers.

Turning Tide (2018)

Summary

Turning Tide is the story of a peculiar encounter between a ten-year-old Scottish boy and an injured German pilot, in the early days of WWII.

Character/Acting

Score/Soundtrack

Cinematography

Storyline/Screenplay

Production

Direction

Reader Rating1 Vote

4.7

Our rating

More about the film

IMDB

Before the Storm (2000)

Before the Storm movie The script and the storytelling are just as important as the acting or editing of a film. That is true for any movie, including those belonging to the Coming-of-Age genre. As proof of that, you don’t have to look much further than the Swedish drama Before the Storm (original title: Före stormen) — in which two life stories tangle together resulting in a captivating and engaging narrative that won’t leave anyone indifferent.

Swedish cinema is renowned for its commanding focus on social realism and, while Before the Storm does not reach the heights of Ruben Östlund‘s 2001 picture Play in that regard, it still manages to portray true-to-life characters and locations.

In Before the Storm we meet 12-year-old Leo (Emil Odepark): a shy and sensitive boy who is frequently subjected to mocking and humiliation at the hands of the school bully, Danne (Martin Wallstrom) and Ali (Per Graffman), a middle-aged taxi driver from Arabic descent who has managed to start a new life in Sweden after fleeing from an ethnic rebellion in his home country.

Leo (Emil Odepark) and Ali (Per Graffman)

The only thing that these characters have in common appears to be the fact that Leo is a classmate of Ali’s daughter yet, as the story develops, one gets to appreciate the elaborate ties one has with his own past (and present) and between seemingly unrelated individuals in any given society.

Reza Parsa, the film’s director (from Iranian descent himself despite having lived in Sweden for a long time), places a strong emphasis on the personal development of the film’s two main protagonists — Leo and Emil. Their characters experience unique trials and tribulations. Both face their inner struggles and must make life-changing decisions, in separate storylines that manage to intertwine and tangle together in a unique and effective manner. This is evidenced, not only by skillful storytelling, but by well thought out editing.

Taking the fate in his own hands — Taking fate into his own hands

Indeed the characterization of the film’s protagonists would not have been as effective if it were not for the stellar performance of the actors who portray them. Emil Odepark acts with his eyes and, when that is combined with his dreamy (and slightly melancholy) persona, the result is a character who is both easy to identify with and to care about. Per Graffman, for his part, is more than effective in portraying a character in turmoil, who has to make a choice between two impossible options.

Before the Storm Trailer

The film’s exploration of the destructive nature of revenge reminds one of the plot in the 2010 film from Denmark, My Best Enemy (Original title: Min bedste fjende). It is the parallel storytelling that really sets Before the Storm apart, transferring what would have been a Coming-of-Age story set in a deep psychological thriller that would likely appeal to distinct audiences — even those with no predefined interest in Coming-of-Age narratives per se.

Despite the relative long screen time, and for the general lack of swift developments in the film, one never feels bored by the story. This is undoubtedly true because of the mind riddles that its characters face that find a way to occupy the mind of the viewer.

[imdb]https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0251091/[/imdb]

Before the Storm (2000)

Summary

The Swedish drama "Before the Storm" features two life stories which tangle together resulting in a captivating and engaging narrative that won't leave anyone indifferent.

4.4

Our rating

Breaking Brooklyn (2018)

Coming-of-age movies with dancing as a central motif are uncommon, yet at least two titles come to mind: Billy Elliot and Eitan Anner‘s 2006 film from Israel: Love & Dance. 2018 sees another title added to the list – and that’s a drama about a homeless young boy passionate about tap dancing with the peculiar title: Breaking Brooklyn.

One is not able to fully appreciate the story from the first viewing. The general idea is clear, and so are the references to the 2000 British dance drama Billy Elliot. However, the storytelling is inconsistent, and, more often than not, happenings or scenes do not make sense. Things improve slightly as the story develops and, by the final credits, one feels inspired enough to give the film a second chance.

Breaking Brooklyn Trailer

http://youtu.be/m7eDjX9d2ew

On a second viewing, things improve (albeit only slightly) as one is prepared for the artistic nature of the film, so some scenes like the opening (a young boy dancing in the street) begin to feel well arranged and shot. Since the character development is relatively weak, re-watching the film armed with all the knowledge from the first viewing, greatly helps the viewer to understand some of the motives behind the characters’ actions, thus their personalities. Yet some things still don’t make sense, such as homeless kids looking like Benetton models. This doesn’t ring true, hurting the story’s authenticity.

What the story lacks in terms of originality and execution (a dead mother, a father who disapproves of his son’s artistic inspirations, a competition), it makes up with good dancing scenes and the overall acting of Colin Critchley as the twelve-year-old Aaron – the central protagonist of the movie.

Breaking Brooklyn is fun to watch and does not bore, yet one must disregard many plot holes and timeline issues.

[imdb]https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4908174/reference[/imdb]

Breaking Brooklyn (2018)

Conclusion

A Coming-of-Age film with dancing as a central motif.

3.3

Our rating

Watch the movie Now

Amazon Video

TheSkyKid.com

TheSKyKid.com

Felix (2007)

Introducing Daniel Porter

Last Summer (2018)

The New Kid (2015)

Timmy Slays the Talent Show (2018)

Jackrabbit (2013)

Aloud (2016)

Snow in August (2001)

Mid90s (2018)

Turning Tide (2018)

Before the Storm (2000)

Breaking Brooklyn (2018)