Boy A 2007

     This film is based on novel by Jonathan Trigell.  Jack Burridge is released from prison in the UK at the age of 24 after being held many years.  Jack is his new name and he was formerly Eric Wilson.  When he was a young boy about 9-10 years old, he got into trouble with Phillip Craig and they were both sent to prison.  During the trial Jack was Boy A and Phillip was Boy B.  Terry is a rehabilitation worker and he has a son Chris but he is trying to help Jack.  Terry gets Jack a job and an apartment.  He also checks on Jack from time to time to make sure he’s doing OK.  Chris starts to become jealous of Jack and the way Terry talks about Jack.  Everything starts to turn around for Jack until his picture appears in a London tabloid.

     The stories of both Boy A and Boy B are told in flashbacks.  Eric’s biggest problem is that his mother has breast cancer and she can’t give Eric the attention he needs.  Phillip is a bully and his older brother at home is abusive.  Eric doesn't have the wisdom to see Phillip as he really is and to break away from their friendship. 3* (This movie is OK)   

  

102 min, Drama directed by John Crowley with Andrew Garfield, Peter Mullan, Shaun Evans, Siobhan Finneran, Alfie Owen, Victoria Brazier, Skye Bennett, Madeleine Rakic-Platt, Josef Altin, Dudley Brewis, Leigh Symonds.

Note:  Imdb 7.7 out of 10, 88% critic 87% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert 3 ½*, Amazon 4.1* out of 5* with 113 reviews.

Special Note:  Filmed in Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, UK.  Andrew Garfield won the 2008 Best Actor BAFTA TV Award for his performance as Jack.