The Giants

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kevin h In a world where children have no parents, the canvas is empty and all is possible. Think:- Lord of the Flies, Huckleberry Finn, Harry Potter, even. Director Bouli Lanners has constructed a Garden of Eden so breathtakingly beautiful, you'll never want to leave. Two young teenage brothers (Zak and Seth) - both perfect performances - and their friend Dany, roam Belgium's unspoilt wilderness, populated by dense forests, lazy rivers, swaying waves of maize, and campfires at dusk. So far, so idyllic. But they're here because they've been virtually abandoned by their uncaring mother. And lurking on the sidelines are gargoyles of criminals and psychotic drug dealers. Zak and Seth have no problem engaging with them: they know about drugs (real) and about sex (imagined) and they chafe at their childhood status. They burgle, cheat, drive cars and do deals with the underworld. They revel in their bravado; they're old before their time. It's hard to see this ending well. But the journey getting there is utter magic. In particular, the scenes between the youngsters and the drug dealers are a masterpiece of silence and expression with tension on both sides. All to play for: so much to lose. And special mention too to the cinematographer Jean-Paul de Zaeytijd who depicts a world as fantastical and terrifying as any Grimm fairytale. In just about every respect, superb Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/27/25 Full Review Audience Member Reminiscent of Stand By Me and Mean Creek, only without the golden nostalgia of the former and the bite of the latter, The Giants is beautifully shot and engrossing enough while it lasts. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review Audience Member "The Giants" is Stand By Me's style blends with Tom Sawyer's. Authentic, fun and fit performances. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Audience Member Not exactly gripping but very interesting nonetheless. And the three young actors nailed it. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/23/23 Full Review Audience Member Stand By Me, Belgium edition. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Audience Member Huckleberry Fin set in the Ardennes. The fantastic sound track by 'The Bony King of Nowhere' is what lifts this film up. It scored two prizes in the Quainzaine des Réalisateurs section in Cannes Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Giants

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