Boyhood (2014) Review in 2025
Boyhood is a 2014 coming-of-age drama film that follows the life of Mason Jr. from age 6 to 18, exploring themes of family, friendship, and identity.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but parental discretion is advised due to some mature themes and language.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves coming-of-age stories, and is looking for a film that is both authentic and relatable.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film takes a non-linear approach, jumping between different periods of Mason's life, showcasing his struggles with his mother's relationships, his father's absence, and his own desires for independence.
Review Details
story9.80/10
The story is engaging and authentic, following Mason's life over 12 years, showcasing his growth and struggles in a realistic and relatable way.
acting9.80/10
The acting is superb, with Ellar Coltrane delivering a standout performance as Mason, and Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke providing strong support as his parents.
characters9.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Mason being the central figure, and his relationships with his mother and father being a key aspect of the story.
direction9.80/10
Richard Linklater's direction is exceptional, using a non-linear approach to tell the story, and capturing the essence of growing up in a way that feels authentic and relatable.
cinematography9.50/10
The cinematography is beautiful, capturing the changing seasons and Mason's growth over the years, and using a mix of digital and film formats to create a unique visual style.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's non-linear approach, beautiful cinematography, and superb acting make it a standout coming-of-age drama.
Cons
Some viewers may find the pacing a bit slow, and the themes of family and identity may be too mature for younger viewers.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a kid anymore, I'm a man."
"I'm not a kid anymore."
"You can't just leave me, I'm your son."
