Dix et demi (2010)

“This is not a film about childhood, it’s a film about a different kind of childhood” Daniel Grou: Director

It’s not every day that one stumble upon a movie such as Dix et demi. When it comes to powerful, realistic dramas that don’t spare anything to the viewer, you can count yourself lucky to discover one. They are rare, with most directors simply preferring to play it on the safe side, sacrificing honesty and objectivity in return for creating a more commercial product that is likely to appeal to a wider audience group. Of course, there are notable exceptions such as: El Niño Que Gritó Puta, The Interrogation of Michael Crowe, and, to some extent, The Butcher Boy). Personally, I always prefer an independent film with real meaning over many of those that flood the cinemas nowadays.

Before I continue the review of the film, I want to note that Dix et demi is not suitable for viewers under the age of sixteen. (Note: I don’t like this type of disclaimer as many of the issues addressed in this film are universal and could be assessed by viewers of any age. Yet they are necessary for some of the more conservative readers of my reviews).

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10 1/2 (2010)

A must see!

"This is not a film about childhood, it's a film about a different kind of childhood" Daniel Grou: Director

4.1

OUR RATING

Where to get

AMAZON

The Giants (Les Géants) (2011)

From Actor/Director Bouli Lanners comes this new Coming-of-Age drama centred on three boys — two brothers (Zak, 13 and Seth, 15) and their friend (Danny, 15) — all of whom have been brought up in unfortunate circumstances. Zak and Seth’s mother has abandoned them to fend for themselves. They live in their grandfather’s old house and make do with what they have. Danny has been brought up in a rough family with an abusive brother and parents that do not care.

When Zak and Seth run out of money, the three conjure up a plan to make some cash, renting out their grandfather’s house to a drug dealer to grow his batch of weed in secrecy. But when things don’t quite go according to plan, the three end up stranded and must defend and support each other to survive.

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The Giants (Les Géants) (2011)

Stunningly gorgeous film

The Giants is a simple, yet stunningly gorgeous film, in both story and visuals. The acting, directing, cinematography and storyline all combine to make this a film which is highly recommended to all.

5

OUR SCORE

Where to get

Amazon

Introducing Sara Martin

At TheSKyKid.com we are devoted to the promotion of young talent from across the globe. We were recently contacted by Sara Martin, an inspiring young actress from Spain and, as a result of our research on her, it’s a privilege to introduce her to our readers.

Sara Martin is a 14-year-old actress from Barcelona, Spain. She really likes acting and sharing her passion for performing in front of others.

This interest came to her when she was only seven-years-old and she immediately decided to explore this world by beginning to take drama lessons. She especially likes comedy and making people laugh, smile and have a good time as she believes that finding happiness should be important in everyone’s life.

Sara Martin & The Fandinos – Fears

Together with the Fandino twins, Jacob and Nolan, who were first introduced to the readers of TheSkyKid.com in February, 2016, Sara has released an inspiring video highlighting the importance of believing in one’s dreams.

She likes to consider herself a future motivation speaker, since she’d love to inspire others and make them see the bright side of life. Sara started to post videos on YouTube in May 2015.

She has also taken part in some professional projects: Sopa De Cabra – Cercles a music video, Big Band Clan – ep.2 (as an extra character), and short films for cinema schools around Catalonia…

Sopa de Cabra – Cercles

Recently, having discovered a love for music, she’s hoping to be able to sing in public soon.
To continue growing as an artist and to take part in different projects are her future plans and hopes.

When she is not acting, Sara’s many interests include listening to music (she’s a huge fan of many musicians), singing, dancing, watching TV shows, traveling, drawing, surfing on the internet, ice skating, playing the guitar, and cooking.

You can find out more about Sara by visiting her HomePage and YouTube Channel.

The Confession (2010)

” When the times comes for your confession , there is nothing to be frightened of …”

It all starts with an idea. And if the idea is good enough, and has the potential to replicate itself into more ideas in the mind of the viewers, than the filmmaker has truly achieved his goals.

Do we always make the right choices?

That’s what you will keep wondering when you see the 2010 British short film The Confession. Its protagonists are Sam and Jacob, two young schoolboys who are just about to make their first confessions. Even in the very first moments of the film, one can see that although the boys are best friends, their personalities are not exactly the same. While Jacob is an outgoing troublemaker, Sam is shy and worried that he can’t think of anything to confess.

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The Confession (2010)

Watch it

The plot twist at the end is guaranteed to evoke a significant emotional response in you.

4.7

OUR RATING

The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet (2013)

The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet is a fascinating story. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, the film follows the adventures of a charming and ingenious young inventor: 10-year-old T.S. Spivet.

T.S. narrates his own story in a pictorial manner allowing the viewer to

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The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet (2013)

In short

The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet is a film that can be enjoyed on many different levels: serious or playful, full of meaning or meaningless – yet at all-times entertaining.

4.8

OUR RATING

Where to get

Watch Instantly with AMAZON VIDEO

IMDB

Age of Summerhood (2013)

“Give me one day of childhood!”

That’s somewhat of a weird request coming as it is from 10-year-old Fetus (Lucian Maisel), the young protagonist of Jacob Medjuck’s 2013 film Age of Summerhood (originaly released in 2008 as Summerhood).

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Age of Summerhood (2013)

A must see

Summerhood is a Coming-of-Age story filled with humor and anecdotes, but also a lot of insights about girls, love, friendship and life per se.

4.5

OUR RATING

WHERE TO GET IT

AMAZON

Free for Prime members

A Shine of Rainbows (2009)

The Greatest Journeys Are The Ones That Bring You Home

Tomás (John Bell) is a small, eight-year-old boy living in an orphanage in Ireland. He is a sensible and shy lad with a melancholic expression. The daily life in the orphanage is not easy for him; his nervousness and stuttering make him an easy victim for the bigger boys who don’t miss a chance to pick on him. He is the main protagonist in the Canadian/Irish co-production A Shine of Rainbows. The film is based on the novel by Lillian Beckwith, a coming-of-age tale about hope, love, and acceptance.

One day, Tomás’ life changes forever. A young woman, Maire O’Donnell (Connie Nielsen), decides to adopt him. She takes Tomás to Corrie Island, just off Ireland’s coast. There she introduces the boy to her husband Alec (Aidan Quinn). He is a tough, hardworking man and seemingly does not approve his wife’s choice (he had hoped for a hardy boy who has what’s needed for life in a remote house on the island) and doesn’t show any sympathy for the young Tomás. Maire, however, doesn’t give up – asking her husband to give the boy a chance and welcome him to his home. With her support and encouragement, Tomás starts to enjoy his new life – he learns his chores, makes new friends, and enjoys the island and its nature. Things seem to settle down – but then a tragedy strikes…

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A Shine of Rainbows (2009)

In short

If you are looking for a good family film for some Sunday afternoon - A Shine of Rainbows is a good pick.The film's focus is on human nature and spatiality, and its value lays in the moral lessons and the messages it transmits to its viewers.

3.3

OUR RATING

Where to watch

Amazon

The Crush (2010)

All is fair in Love and War

Closely associated with the years of one’s growth – first love is commonly addressed in Coming-of-Age movies. But as wonderful as love can be, it is sometimes accompanied by great complications – especially if your beloved happens to be your teacher. The story of one such adoration — told in first person — is the focus of the 2010 Oscar nominated Irish short film, The Crush, directed by Michael Creagh.

Ardal Travis (Oran Creagh) and his second grade teacher Miss Purdy (Olga Wehrly)

The main protagonist of the film, Ardal Travis (Oran Creagh), is an eight-year-old boy hopelessly in love with his second grade teacher Miss Purdy (Olga Wehrly), who he thinks is very, very beautiful. Unlike many nervous teens, Ardal is not afraid to reveal his feelings and even considers marrying Miss Purdy. Yet, soon he realizes that he is not the only one fond of the beautiful teacher and that his rival is bigger, older… and meaner. But Ardal will not give up! He will fight for the heart of his beloved!

Despite the witty plot, The Crush has a few shortcomings – such as the camerawork: a bit stale and unnatural at times, and the score (with the exception of the final song) which, when addressed, could have resulted in a real masterpiece. Sometimes the characters’ actions did not ring true, though those of the main protagonist (though played by an obvious newcomer to cinema) inspires heartwarming feelings and sympathies.

On the positive side, the action picks up intensity as the narrative develops – so much so that (even if you approached this as just another “kid film”) the story will engage and intrigue you. (Of course, it’s my hope that few, if any, of the readers of this site would approach any film in that manner.)

The Crush manages to evoke suspense, raise tension, shock and/or make one smile, which is all you can ask from a 15 minute film.

Watch the entire film below:

http://youtu.be/KrRSjaNmbLE

The Crush (2010)

Watch it

The Crush evokes suspense, raises tension, shocks and/or makes one smile.

3.1

OUR RATING

My Sweet Orange Tree (2012)

Coming-of-Age films originating in Portugal and Brazil tend to emit a certain warmth that makes watching them a rewarding experience. Saying this, the first film that comes to mind is the 1996 Portuguese drama Adeus, Pai (Farewell, Father). Based on that observation, and the fact that the Marcos Bernstein film My Sweet Orange Tree (original title: Meu Pé de Laranja Lima) is based on a best-selling novel of the same name by the Brazilian writer José Mauro de Vasconcelos, I had high expectations of this 2012 drama. And it did not let me down.

The main protagonist of the film is eight–year–old Zezé (João Guilherme Ávila) who wishes that his father was not poor and unemployed so that his little brother could have a real gift for Christmas, and his mother could then work less and be able to take proper care of him and his brothers and sisters.

Asking for heavenly help doesn’t seem to produce any results, so Zezé decides to take matters into his own hands by doing odd jobs — such as shoe shining and helping a local street musician sell his CDs.

Despite his good heart and intentions, Zezé always seems to find himself in trouble. His family’s financial problems create real tension, and the boy often finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Perceived as “bratty”, “mischievous”, and the “incarnation of evil”, he often takes a beating from his older siblings. Zeze is a daydreamer with great imagination, unable to cope with the daily beatings and being misunderstood, he takes solace in a fantasy world that he creates for himself and his younger brother. While most boys have pets for companionship and friendship, Zezé befriends an orange tree – and not just any orange tree, but one that talks and is able to take Zezé on magical journeys.

One day, challenged by other boys in the village, Zezé decides to ride the bumper of an older gentleman’s car. Manoel Valadares, or “Portuga” (José de Abreu) as he is known in the village, is somewhat richer than most of the other village inhabitants, and he has explicitly warned the boys that any kid caught touching his fancy car will be punished. Unlucky for Zezé, he gets caught and spanked. Humiliated in front of the other boys, Zezé wants his revenge, but it turns out that the older gentleman is not the monster he is believed to be. A further encounter between him and the little boy ends with them starting to warm towards each other, and a new friendship arises.

José de Abreu and João Guilherme Ávila in My Sweet Orange Tree

Portuga: I’ll take you for a ride in our car. And you’ll tell me those amazing stories. You’ll tell your stories to everyone.

The chemistry between José de Abreu and João Guilherme Ávila in the film’s lead roles is one of the factors that give a unique feel to the movie. João Guilherme Avila has the saddest eyes I have ever seen on a kid, and I can’t imagine anyone watching the movie and not wishing for his happiness. He is able to express a wide range of emotions – from frustration and rebellion to awe and happiness, which reflect greatly on the emotional impact his character has on the viewer. The fact that the story is told in the first person — narrated by his childish voice — enables the viewer to associate with his character and/or remember what it felt like to be a kid trying to make sense of the world around him.

Trailer

The beautiful cinematography (best appreciated in the scenes portraying the imagination of the young protagonist) and skilful camerawork (the action is often shot from a low angle –aiming for a realistic representation of the world as seen through a kid’s eyes) are other highlights of the movie.

The friendship of little Zezé and Portuga is mutually beneficial despite the significant age difference between them — or maybe because of it. Portuga does not look down at Zeze, and his advice to him and ideas shared between them are given and received with ease. Appreciation, concern for the other’s well-being and tenderness are ever-present, making My Sweet Orange Tree one of the best films with an intergenerational friendship as a central theme of its narrative.

I am not ashamed to admit that I watched the movie’s final scenes with tears in my eyes. Tears not necessarily brought by sadness, but a weird mixture of joy, nostalgia, appreciation of life itself, and gratefulness for a beautifully told story. Any movie that can evoke such emotions is a masterpiece, a gem to be discovered and cherished, and My Sweet Orange Tree is just that! A must see!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2402186/combined

My Sweet Orange Tree (2012)

A must see!

My Sweet Orange Tree is a masterpiece, a gem to be discovered and cherished.

4.3

Our rating

Hazel (2012)

Flamboyant, quirky, funny, provoking and original – all of those adjective are a perfect fit for the 2012 short film from Switzerland Hazel. Provoking as it focuses on the same sex attraction of a young boy. It’s a turn of events that absolutely terrifies his mother, who attempts everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) to scare the gay away from her precious child – including sessions with a dreadful child-psychiatrist.

Hazel’s production design is top notch. Bright colors, carefully arranged scenes and great costumes (as if coming straight from a Benetton Kids commercial) result in a vibrant visual theme bursting with energy. The lush visuals and exaggerated characters create an extravagant atmosphere, which sets a tone for the film, while at the same time wrapping it in a humorous layer of caricature similar to that of colorful action comics. Such an approach to cinematography is often seen in the French and Belgium cinema (Toto the Hero is a film that comes to mind), and I was not surprised to see it in a production coming from Switzerland.

The musical score is adeptly applied and features songs such as Miriam Makeba‘s Pata Pata, accompanying the cheerful dance of the young protagonist, and the infamous song Mama, by the former child-singer and actor Heintje Simons (which will please many admirers of the treble voice).

Maxime Mori‘s performance in the role of Hazel is both charming and convincing. The viewer is allowed to peak into his world through his own eyes and many will end up sympathizing with his character and his quest for self-expression and acceptance.

Some scenes in the film aim to shock the viewer, others to provoke laughter and to entertain. But behind the pleasant visuals, one should not miss the drama of a kid who is forbidden to be who he really is.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2408806/combined

Hazel (2012)

In short

Flamboyant, quirky, funny, provoking and original.

4.5

OUR REVIEW

Barbie Boy (Short film, 2014)

Writer and director Nick Corporon is a name to watch out for if you enjoy movies that focus on gender issues and sexual orientation. His work is largely crowd-funded and made to professional standards that rival those of corporate productions. At the time of writing, his first full-length feature Retake is about to première at the acclaimed San Francisco LGBT film festival.

Corporon’s 2014 short Barbie Boy is a delight. The eponymous boy is seven year-old Bobby who, as the title suggests, loves playing with his Barbie doll. His parents are tolerant of this quirk but, while his mother is entirely non-judgmental, his dad finds it hard to hide his disapproval. When he tactfully explains to Bobby that dolls are for girls and that he should probably keep his playing with them private, the boy starts asking himself some searching questions.

Filmed, edited and acted to near perfection, Trent Carlton makes a particularly strong début as Bobby.

This film has a special connection for me because I used to play with dolls as a boy too (albeit a couple of years younger than Bobby). My parents also accepted this as natural. It wasn’t until several years later that my grandma told me that my mum used to have an Action Man (GI Joe) when she was a girl!

Barbie Boy’s storyline is straightforward but it packs many issues into its 13 minutes. Gender roles, peer pressure, societal norms and growing up are all addressed in what is nevertheless a light-hearted film. It doesn’t try to make any noble political statement and, in fact, its non-presumptuous presentation is for me its greatest strength. It’s just beautifully observed and brimming with empathy.

The whole film is available to watch on Nick Corporon’s Vimeo channel.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2308491/

Hochhaus (2006)

Nikias Chryssos`s 2006 short film Hochhaus (Tower Block) offers a grim portrayal of an urban jungle in Germany where 12-year-old Daniel and his older brother Patrick have to resort to unconventional methods to earn money. Having raised his younger brother, Patrick feels as if he owns Daniel’s life and treats him with sadistic cruelty.

The young boy is forced to beg or do humiliating acts to amuse his older sibling, and his only salvation is the imaginary world he creates in his mind. It’s a world filled with Cowboys and Indians, in which even the junkie he accidentally meets during one of his begging trips achieves an almost heroic aura to Daniel and can be relied on for friendship.

Despite being a German film, Hockhaus has the characteristic of an art work inspired by Italian Neo-realism. It was shot on location and focuses on oppression and injustice, with the protagonist living in difficult economic and moral conditions. Some of the scenes are rather harsh to watch as the action and the talented acting performances, especially the expressions of the young Paul Preuss as Daniel, evoke a strong range of feelings in the viewer: from sadness to anger, but also from hope to despair at times.

Hochhaus is essentially a Coming-of-Age film as well, having a young character as lead protagonist with a strong emphasis on the effects of his surroundings on his personality. Despite living with his brother, Daniel is lonely – living in isolation. The boy’s parents are missing (it never becomes clear why), and Daniel is obviously in need of mentoring, of a father–figure and a friend. For a while, he creates and lives in an imaginary world in which a random junkie (who desperately needs help himself) becomes a person to look up to.

It’s not a crowd–pleaser, but the poignant and distressing Hochhaus is a film well worth one’s time and attention.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0481541/combined