The Boyhood comes with a very long commitment of filming for over 12 years with the same cast, and telling us a beautiful story about a boy of 5 who slowly, along with his family and friends grows up in front of our eyes in the most realistic coming-of-age movie, that has so much teach us.Â
Mason is the typical American boy from whose eyes we see him and the world around him changing and growing up. His parents, Olivia and Mason Sr. had married too young and then split up which led to Mason and his sister Samantha living with their mother. Their father is also portrayed as a spontaneous and reckless man who has always been there for his kids. Mason’s transformation has been shown in the best way possible as he goes through many milestones in his life and to the point where he has just joined college and the journey is very much worth watching.Â
The whole movie is based on the point of view of the main character and how he perceives the world he is living in. The most striking factor about this character is how ordinary and typical he is, without any special perks or powers. There are also some immense transformations that come about in the life of his mother, the single parent who is doing the best she can for her kids; her father, who slowly matures into a responsible and patient father; and his sister who is also subjected to many similar problems as his own. The performance of each and every artist is absolutely breath-taking.Â
The way the film progresses and easy laid-back approach is a very common trait of Linklater’s films and that same factor has managed to attract audiences to this one too. The way the details of each important character has been highlighted and the way the daily struggles and problems in the lives of the growing children has been intricately put in front of us – it makes the audience effortlessly feel like they are also a part of Mason’s life, as plain and simple it may be.Â
To this beautifully portrayed life of the typical ordinary boy in all its sincerity, I give Boyhood 4 out of 5 popcorn tubs.