Talking about 'Boyhood'

Boyhood a film by Richard Linklater is a story about the life of Mason Evans Jr, his adolescence from age Six to Eighteen. Throughout the film we grow up with him and his family sharing their experiences. We see them go through different obstacles in life and coming out the other side. One of the things that makes this film unique is the way the actors themselves added to the plot of the film and their character development. Each actor was allowed to incorporate their own experiences into the characters story. Changes the director saw in the actors were incorporated into the script as well. Because of this we feel more like we are following these people's lives rather than the life of a character they're playing whilst we watch this film. We actually see the actors grow and change rather than just different actors take their place as they grow up. Each actor in this film delivers a great performance.

Despite the incredible production of this film it stands as a fantastic piece of storytelling. The 12 years thing could be seen as a quirky aspect rather than adding to the story but no, it strengthens the story and makes the it truly something unique.

This film is three hours long usually I find myself finding these movies just a bit too long but with Boyhood those three hours flew by. It is both beautiful and immersive watching Mason change physically and develop before our own eyes. The film covers childhood, the awkward teenage years and approaching adulthood. For me personally I could relate to this more than any other film I have ever watched I felt like I was watching my own life pass by on the screen. I even found myself tearing up towards the end I had watched a life. I had seen Mason overcome his trials in life and I felt happy for him to see him come out the over side. I was hopeful for his future.

The film captures the tone of the early stages of life perfectly. The thrill of collecting things as a child, the enjoyment in playing video games, the happy times with friends. To the awkward teenage years, drinking, experimenting with drugs, the awkward "talk" with the parents and falling in love for the first time.

One thing that stand out in this film is the soundtrack as the film starts the music that plays is all popular music from that time period. But as Boyhood goes on the music develops playing older classics. This was certainly the case for me when growing up I found myself enjoying different variations of music more and more. Its little bits like this that add to the experience more and more. Being my age and being a student I found myself being able to relate to this movie very easily. But I think anyone could relate to this film and that everyone should watch it at some point in their life. There's a little something for everyone with this film.

Boyhood has quickly become one of my most loved films and I will do my best to share it with people for years to come.

4/4 Stars