Directed by Neil Jordan (Irish)
Based on the novel by Patrick McCabe
Boy actors : Eamon Owens (lead), Alan Boyle, several others.

This is a fascinating and surreal film about a child's descent into madness. The lead character is played brilliantly by Eamon Owens, who was about 13 or 14 in the film. I have not seen him in anything else (although I think he's had some lower-profile roles since then), but his performance in this film is quite amazing. (Incidentally, Eamon's younger brother, Ciaran Owens, plays the lead in Angela's Ashes.)

The film tells the often-disturbing story of an Irish boy who escapes the hardships of his everyday life by reclining more and more into his imagination. His fantasies, however, go way beyond the usual games boys play to amuse themselves. Reminiscent of <i>The Good Son</i>, though more interesting and without the usual Hollywood formula.

Although some will probably find it offensive or disturbing, this is one of my favourite films. Stephen Rea’s performance as the boy’s trumpet-playing, alcoholic father is magnificent. Overall, it’s a very powerful film, brilliantly directed by Neil Jordan and dealing with some fairly heavy topics.

Unfortunately, the cutest boy in the film is not the lead character (in my humble opinion). The protagonist's (younger?) best friend, played by Alan Boyle, is adorable and we do see a lot of him, even if he is not the main character. There are several other boys in the film playing smaller roles.

(See Star Galaxy for lots of pics.)


(EDIT: I just fixed some spelling mistakes and typos.)

(Edited by josephk at 8:33 pm on Nov. 18, 2002)

There is a American film caleed Butcher Boy, I wonder if it is a remake of this movie?

I have the DVD of this movie which I saw some months ago. I liked the play of Ciaran OWENS and my movie rating is 7/10.