Little Boy

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2:16

Little Boy

PG-13

2015

1h 46m

History

Drama

War

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

27%

Tomatometer

52 Reviews

78%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

When auto mechanic James Busbee (Michael Rapaport) is sent to fight the Japanese during World War II, he leaves behind his wife (Emily Watson) and two sons, London (David Henrie) and Pepper (Jakob Salvati). Pepper feels his father's absence most keenly, and can't wait for him to return home. An encounter with a magician (Ben Chaplin) and advice from a priest (Tom Wilkinson) convince Pepper that the power to bring his dad back safely may be within himself and his actions.

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Critics Consensus

Well-meaning but manipulative on a horrifically misguided scale, Little Boy is the rare faith-based film that many viewers may find legitimately offensive.

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Alison Willmore

BuzzFeed News

Nov 10, 2015

The movie seems utterly and sincerely well-intentioned -- which is why what happens in it is so jaw-dropping.

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Steve Davis

Austin Chronicle

Apr 30, 2015

2/5

For all its unsubtle sentimentality, it remains unclear whether Little Boy intends to celebrate the conviction of belief or to mock it.

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Inkoo Kang

TheWrap

Apr 24, 2015

40/100

Despite boasting several important moral lessons, the period piece is more artificial than a polyester teddy bear stuffed with Splenda and Cheez Whiz - and about as appealing

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Kip Mooney

College Movie Review

Aug 29, 2021

B-

There's an earnestness that simply can't be denied.

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Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

Dec 8, 2019

[T]he most uplifting, hopeful and faith restoring film to come around in a long while.

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Bernard Boo

Way Too Indie

Mar 14, 2019

3/10

At best, the film's messaging is outdated; at worst, it's insensitive and difficult to bear.

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Sus F.

@engravingshop Jul 2, 2026

Wow! What a great movie! This is an adult movie about a little boy and his relationship with his father, his best friend, who gets called to fight in World War 2 . The movie is about how the boy interprets what is happening in the world and what he has to do to bring his father home. He is so young. His vocabulary is not yet vast and his understanding of the words spoken at church and that of his hero, a comic book/movie magician, help him complete a list of impossibllities that a priest has given him. If he completes the list, his father will come home from the war. It is touching, frustrating, infuriating, gentle and tough. So well written and the acting is top notch. I cannot imagine anyone giving this movie a negative rating. If they do, they are looking for victims and have no imagination or empathy towards a young child in such a situation. A fantastic film.

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Gabrielle T.

@gabbyreviews May 1, 2026

The film was such a tear-jerker and emotionally heart felt. The cinematography and color palette really popped and made the film come more alive. The story was endearing and the cast made it all the more believable and sincere. Loved the storyline as well!

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Israel K

@IzzyK Apr 25, 2026

I had no idea that the movie was a Faith Based movie and apparently judged harshly by critics and some moviegoers in that regard. It apparently received poor reviews from the critics but the audience liked it much better. I thought the movie was extremely heartfelt and moving and Jakob Salvati's performance was brilliant, especially for a 10 year old boy. I judged it for the pleasure I got watching the movie without any prejudgements.

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Mpb 3

@mariabast Mar 26, 2026

Amazing movie, full of beautiful messages.

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GT S

@RT70130008 Mar 24, 2024

Stumbled across this little gem that I've never heard of. What a nice surprise. How could you not be in tears at the end of this? Beautiful film.

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Ozzie I

@RT42323375 Mar 12, 2024

Just watched this movie on Tubi on the recommendation of a friend. Really loved it, was a real tearjerker. Would recommend to anyone.

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Alejandro Monteverde

Director

Jakob Salvati

Pepper Flynt Busbee

Emily Watson

Emma Busbee

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Hashimoto

Michael Rapaport

James Busbee

David Henrie

London Busbee

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Little Boy: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

When auto mechanic James Busbee (Michael Rapaport) is sent to fight the Japanese during World War II, he leaves behind his wife (Emily Watson) and two sons, London (David Henrie) and Pepper (Jakob Salvati). Pepper feels his father's absence most keenly, and can't wait for him to return home. An encounter with a magician (Ben Chaplin) and advice from a priest (Tom Wilkinson) convince Pepper that the power to bring his dad back safely may be within himself and his actions.

Director: Alejandro Monteverde
Producer: Leo Severino, Eduardo Verástegui, Alejandro Monteverde
Screenwriter: Alejandro Monteverde, Pepe Portillo
Distributor: Open Road
Production Co: Metanoia Films
Rating: PG-13 (Violence|Some Thematic Material)
Genre: History, Drama, War
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 24, 2015, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 30, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $6.5M
Runtime: 1h 46m

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