This funny, perceptive tale of teenaged city boys let loose in the countryside imbues Stand by Me with sardonic social realism and shades of the Brothers Grimm. “Unselfconscious, endearing and completely believable.” — Screendaily
Three appealing young actors bring unforced charm, buoyancy and vulnerability to this coming of age story.
Screened as part of NZIFF 2011
The Giants 2011
Les géants
Two brothers in their mid-teens are dropped off at their grandfather’s deserted house in the country and left to fend for themselves for the summer. Boredom is overtaken by more excitement than they bargained for after they fall in with a slightly older local boy. Filmed with a lushness that will have you longing for the European summer, this funny, perceptive picture of unfettered adolescence venturing into peril imbues Stand by Me with sardonic social realism and shades of the Brothers Grimm. — BG
“Bouli Lanners’ third feature deftly negotiates between heartbreak and hilarity in a picaresque story notable for its boisterous good spirits, economical storytelling and engaging central performances… The lightness of touch that Lanners displays with casting and story allows him to confront some serious issues… The performances of the three boys are very impressive; unselfconscious, endearing and completely believable.” — Allan Hunter, Screendaily