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      Boy A

      2007, Drama, 1h 39m

      59 Reviews 25,000+ Ratings

      What to know

      Critics Consensus

      Small in scale but large in impact, Boy A's career making performances (particularly that by star Andrew Garfield) and carefully crafted characters defy judgment and aggressively provoke debate. Read critic reviews

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      Boy A  Photos

      Boy A (2007) Boy A (2007) Boy A (2007) Boy A (2007) Boy A (2007) Katie Lyons and Andrew Garfield in John Crowley's Boy A. Katie Lyons is Michelle in John Crowley's Boy A. Andrew Garfield is Jack in John Crowley's Boy A. Peter Mullan and Andrew Garfield in John Crowley's Boy A. Andrew Garfield is Jack in John Crowley's Boy A.

      Movie Info

      Freed after a lengthy term in a juvenile detention center, convicted child killer Jack Burridge (Andrew Garfield) finds work as a deliveryman and begins dating co-worker Michelle (Katie Lyons). While out on the road one day, the young Englishman notices a distressed child, and, after reuniting the girl with her family, becomes a local celebrity. But, when a local newspaper unearths his past, Jack must cope with the anger of citizens who fear for the safety of their children.

      • Rating: R (Language|Brief Drug Use|Sexuality|Some Disturbing Content)

      • Genre: Drama

      • Original Language: English

      • Director: John Crowley

      • Producer: Lynn Horsford

      • Writer: Mark O'Rowe

      • Release Date (Theaters):  limited

      • Release Date (Streaming):

      • Box Office (Gross USA): $106.4K

      • Runtime:

      • Distributor: Weinstein Co.

      • Production Co: Cuba Pictures

      Cast & Crew

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      Critic Reviews for Boy A

      Audience Reviews for Boy A

      • Mar 02, 2013

        Boy A is an imperfect but thoughtful drama about forgiveness and guilt with a great star turn by Andrew Garfield in his first movie role. It tells the story of Jack (played by Garfield), a young adult recently released from prison after committing a horrible crime at a young age. Jack wants nothing more than to put his past behind and start up a new life in Manchester, but to do that he has to hide his past from everyone around him, and soon people begin to suspect that he is not who he says he is. The plot can get somewhat predictable at times, but luckily the ending is far from that of a Hollywood movie. The movie poses questions about whether ex-criminals like Jack deserve to be forgiven and given a second chance, and it tries to provide the answer by making Jack a very sympathetic and guilt-stricken character. He made a serious mistake when he was younger and he wants to start over, but not everyone is on board to let that happen. Boy A makes for a thoughtful drama about actions and consequences, and thanks an impressive performance from Andrew Garfield and an interesting story, it's worth watching.

        Super Reviewer
      • Aug 23, 2012

        This film does everything that you wish a film would do. It takes the dark past of a murderer, turns him into a likeable character and makes you feel for him more than any other character. Andrew Garfield is astonishing in this film, in which sparked his career as an actor. In his first starring role, his performance feels very real and true. By the end of the film, you will have been captivated by every scene that there will be no possible way to dislike this movie. Not only do I love every second of "Boy A," but I it kept my thinking after the movie ended and I cannot wrap my mind around the brilliant conclusion, if you can even call it that. This film, in my eyes, is a masterpiece!

        kj p Super Reviewer
      • Apr 28, 2012

        Relying on an excellent performance by Andrew Garfield and at first a thought-provoking film about guilt, atonement and the right to start over as a new person, after two intriguing acts it all soon ends in a contrived conclusion that is disappointing and insubstantial.

        Super Reviewer
      • Mar 14, 2011

        A very interesting film where the director plays on the sympathy and likeness to character who has the past of a murderer. The idea of giving people a second chance in life is a common theme, and for the most part, the second chance is shown in a positive light. The twist in the movie comes from the question; with time should all crimes or mistakes be forgiven and forgotten no matter the scale? The film does not conclude with solid answers, but rather dwells on it's complex ideas.

        Super Reviewer

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