Boyhood (2014)
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A sprawling investigation of the human condition follows a boy's growth from age six to eighteen over the course of twelve years.
The story
Filmed over a period of twelve years, the film follows the life of Mason Evans Jr. as he grows from a six-year-old boy in a small Texas town into an eighteen-year-old man. Accompanied by his sister, the narrative tracks their experiences through various moves, family changes, and the evolving dynamics of their relationship with their divorced parents. The story captures the nuances of growing up, including the transition into adolescence, the complexities of family life, and the gradual discovery of identity in a changing world.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In 2002, 6-year-old Mason Evans lives with his mother, Olivia, and sister, Samantha, in Texas. In 2003, they move to Houston. In 2005, Olivia marries Bill, and the children are integrated into a blended family. By 2007, Bill's alcoholism leads to a divorce, and the children remain with their father, Mason Sr. Over the next several years, the children grow into their teens. Mason experiences various milestones: being bullied at school, finding interest in girls, and eventually entering high school. In 2011, he meets his girlfriend Sheena. By 2013, during his senior year, he experiences a breakup with Sheena, wins a photography award, and prepares for college. The film concludes with Mason moving into his dorm at Sul Ross State University, where he meets new friends and reflects on the passage of time.
- First release year
- 2014
- Runtime (minutes)
- 165
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Richard Linklater
- Writers
- Richard Linklater · writer
- Cast and characters
- Patricia Arquette · Olivia; Ellar Coltrane · Mason Evans Jr.; Lorelei Linklater · Samantha; Ethan Hawke · Mason Sr.
- Genres
- drama; coming-of-age
- Themes
- coming-of-age; parenting; divorce; growth
- Tone and mood
- intimate; realistic
- Premise and plot tags
- multi-year production; non-linear development
- Content notes
- alcoholism
- Reception
- The film received universal acclaim for its performances, screenplay, and direction, being widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 100 · scale: 100 · review count: 50
- Awards and nominations
- Silver Bear · Best Director · win; Golden Globe · Best Motion Picture – Drama · win; Golden Globe · Best Director · win; Golden Globe · Best Supporting Actress · win; BAFTA · Best Director · win; BAFTA · Best Film · win; Academy Award · Best Supporting Actress · win
- Production trivia
- The film was originally titled '12 Years' but was renamed due to the release of '12 Years a Slave'.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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