Pino (Andrea Arru) is a young 11-year-old boy who lives with his family. His upbringing is certainly not a common one. For Pino, growing up has been a challenge as he has haemophilia and each day, he feels trapped, controlled and unable to live a normal life. On the outside, many would think Pino is just a normal child, but on the inside, even the smallest thing could break young Pino into a thousand pieces.
Each day, while looking outside his window, Pino notices a small group of young kids who seem to be having fun. He gives them names and has hopes of one day being able to meet them personally. It doesn’t help that Pino’s family is quite strict and consistently worried about his health and safety. Simple things like opening a window or even running around the house are not what Pino’s parents generally approve of.
On a day just like any other, Pino watches the young boys race bikes while being stuck in his room. While watching them from afar, he is spotted by one of the boys who comes and knocks on Pino’s window. The boy questions Pino, asking things like why he spies on people while they play or why he never seems to come outside to play instead of just watching others. Soon Pino makes a bold and life-changing choice that will alter his life forever.
Glass Boy is best described as a drama film, but it’s also a light-hearted family film. The film contains clean language with heartfelt messages about family, life, courage and friendship. The film also contains a touching and wonderful musical score which felt very fitting.
I found the plot itself fairly basic and sadly familiar to movies from the early and mid-’80s. The first act generally hooked me, but the second and third acts were less exciting and took an unexpected direction contrary to what was set up in the first act. In the end, the core messages are still evident, and families who see this film will certainly enjoy the fun and clean entertainment that is presented on-screen, even if it’s familiar or even predictable. Performances from the child actors were enjoyable and pleasing.
Overall, Glass Boy is a touching film with heartfelt themes about family, life, courage and friendship. While the plot is quite simple and familiar, many families will still enjoy the touching story and journey of a young boy who wants more from life and refuses to be held back anymore. Young performances are great, and the film’s musical score is touching and fitting. The plot is generally the film’s biggest letdown and is both familiar or uninteresting. At times, the film takes an unusual direction that lacks general excitement. No matter, there’s still a great movie on display here. Glass Boy (2020) is available at the Italian Film Festival – Spring 2021 presented by Palace Cinemas. For more information, check out the link here: https://www.italianfilmfestival.com.au/
5.5/10
15th October 2021
Written by Peter Walkden
WALKDEN ENTERTAINMENT
PODCASTS ARE AVAILABLE!
0 Comments