Ian B
An emotional and gripping portrayal of Paul Connelly's experiences whilst in the care of the infamous St Leonard's Children's Home.
Connelly, a troubled young man in his 20's and whom the film centres upon, portrayed by a Michael Socha (of This Is England), lives under the spectre of his treatment at the hands of his carers as a young boy.
Whereas a lot of movies of this ilk, which centre around the subject of child abuse, generally take the softer approach to its depiction, Big Boys Don't Cry doesn't shy away from putting the viewer in the room to witness it first it hand. Some elements, naturally, are dealt with tactfully and get the point across without delving into the truly grotesque.
However what is a compelling story and melancholic piece of cinema is frequently taken out of the moment via repetitive flashbacks which bring nothing to the storytelling.
That being considered, BBDC certainly offers a grittier and less ‘Hollywood' approach to the subject matter, offering the viewer the uncomfortable facts without the courtroom drama or revenge arc of Sleepers (1996).
Worth a watch but not a film you'll likely return to.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
07/31/23
Full Review
Wolfgang G
Big Boys Don't Cry ist ein Krimi, Drama, und Biografie von Steve Crowhurst (Drehbuch und Regie), der Film erzählt die Biografie von Paul Connolly… Ein junger Mann wuchs in einem Kinderheim auf und muss sich seiner von Missbrauch geprägten Vergangenheit stellen, als der Tod seines Freundes zu polizeilichen Ermittlungen führt… Eine biografische Geschichte über körperlichen, psychischen und sexuellen Missbrauch in einem Kinderheim, die mit den Augen eines Opfers im Erwachsenenalter erzählt wird… Ein äußerst sehenswerter Film, der zum Nachdenken einlädt, perfekt inszeniert mit einer hohen Aussagekraft… die schauspielerische Leistung der Darsteller ist brillant.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
07/02/23
Full Review
Andrea C
Dramma indipendente a basso budget che tocca le corde giuste e che racconta un tema toccante ma molto cinematografico.
La doppia linea temporale è un classico per il genere, e la regia non brilla sicuramente per novità; a farla da padrona è comunque la potenza della storia e la scelta di un attore protagonista che la rende ancor più malinconica con i suoi sguardi.
A stonare maggiormente, sono i personaggi poco sfruttati e i buchi temporali nella trama che non vengono colmati; soprattutto lo sviluppo del rapporto tra i due ragazzi protagonisti viene totalmente tralasciato, in maniera poco furba.
Avrebbe sicuramente dato un tocco ancor più profondo e dinamico alla sceneggiatura; magari evitando qualche scena di troppo di assolo del protagonista.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
05/24/23
Full Review
John M
Movie was fab and sad at the same time really worth a watch, I cried
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/19/23
Full Review
Rees W
Gritty and harrowing account of Paul Connelly's life in St. Leonard's children's home. The struggle in dealing with the aftermath and inner demons, awakened by the news of the death of his close friend Liam was well portrayed and truly heartbreaking.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/08/23
Full Review
Kit V
Every now and again a film comes along that is well-acted, well-produced, and well-directed, dealing with sensitive issues in a way that causes the viewer to think: this is one such movie. A harrowing story of abuse that is not for the faint-hearted, the storyline is razor sharp and to the point, and Micael Socha who plays the lead role brings a passion and a sensitivity to the role that is usually only touched upon in Hollywood. This is my point; Big Boys Don't Cry is a British film about a British Institution and at no time does it attempt to be anything other than it is. If it could make a grown man of 50 years old wipe a tear away it must be onto something, and it most definitely is. I salute the filmmakers, actors, producers, directors, and artisans who made this film possible. A British film with a universal theme, compelling and honest, truthful and sincere, and more to the point totally worth the watch. No filler, no special effects just great storytelling, wonderful acting, and thought-provoking dialogue. Britain can make a film that rivals Hollywood and here is one such film.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/14/23
Full Review
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