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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for The Boy Soldier.

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WORTH WATCHING: YES
Editorial Verified

Is The Boy Soldier Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1981)

In the 1930s a young fellow, Simon Chalumet, is sent to a military school by his overbearing father, an ex-soldier who has little sympathy for his son's more gentle temperament, or...

✨ The Quick Verdict

YES, ABSOLUTELY

If you are a fan of Drama, War cinema, then The Boy Soldier offers a fresh and engaging experience that justifies its existence in the 1981 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Drama films
Fans of War films
Viewers seeking quality storytelling

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

The Boy Soldier returns to the screen in 1981, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama, War genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "In the 1930s a young fellow, Simon Chalumet, is sent to a military school by his overbearing father, an ex-soldier who has little sympathy for his son's more gentle temperament, or for his interest in films."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In The Boy Soldier, Lucas Belvaux delivers a performance that anchors the emotional weight of the film. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Boy Soldier worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, War films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Boy Soldier is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 118 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.

⏳ Time Investment

118MIN

At approximately 2.0 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.