Boyhood (2014)

Director: Richard Linklater

12 years of filming have resulted in a unique project, an astonishing film that the screen has never experienced before. We have just witnessed the birth of a genie called Richard Linklater. What the Oscar-nominated director did was create a story that is so sincere and honest as if it was a documentary of your neighbour's, cousin's or friend's life from childhood to adolescence. Yes, after watching the film the actors will have grown so close to you that you will want to find out what will happen next, 10 years ahead.

Many films have showed the main characters in various stages of their life cycles, but none of their directors have been so patient to wait and film how the transition occurs naturally. In other words, they have always used different actors, but this time they are the same throughout the whole film. The story begins with Mason being 5 years old and centering his world around games and fun. As time goes by, the boy learns various life lessons when his family moves from one place to another after his mother's unfortunate marriages and puberty kicks in. First love, the first glass of alcohol, the first cigarette, bullying at school, crazy parties - Mason experiences everything a typical teenager does and from a troublesome boy he grows into a man who can take full responsibility of himself and has found his passion and aspiration in life.

"Boyhood" gives you an incredible opportunity to follow how perception of many different things starting with love, family and finishing with school and education in general changes as you grow up. The problems many of us face during our lives are not hidden or softened in any way; everything is shown as it really is, for example, the challenges of single parenting or difficulties in seeing the true colours/ flaws of a person you have fallen in love with. "Boyhood" has touched many hearts, and it will touch yours too. Because the film is sweet, fun, yet serious and wise at the same time, it creates a sense of genuineness. The cast might not be all Hollywood stars (except for Ethan Hawke), but maybe that has been the key to success because the actors somehow blend and work very well together. Not a single episode did I have to question their devotion to the characters and their interpersonal chemistry. The camera operator's job should be praised as well; the beautiful sceneries are to-die-for.

Overall, I suggest you not to miss the chance to watch "Boyhood" even if you are not that into coming-of-age films. Neither am I; the reason why I gave it a shot was to relive once again the teenager years for which I felt nostalgic and to see how technologies and fashion have changed during this fairly short period of time. Believe me, you will not regret spending 2,5h in cinema or in front of your PC. Frankly speaking, the story is so dynamic that the time spent will seem to be less than it actually will.