The Selfish Giant (2013)
A hyperactive boy and his best friend, a slow-witted youth with an affinity for horses, start collecting scrap metal for a shady dealer.
- Clio Barnard
- Sylvia Parker
- Clio Barnard
Rating: 7.255/10 by 210 users
Alternative Title:
Le Géant égoïste - FR
Великан-эгоист - RU
Country:
United Kingdom
Language:
English
Runtime: 01 hour 31 minutes
Budget: $0
Revenue: $12,189
Plot Keyword: friendship, horse, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd), yorkshire, based on short story, woman director, school suspension
Very much enjoyed this, from a film point of view of course given the dark and saddening tone of the story. 'The Selfish Giant' is a gritty drama involving two kids who get mixed up in the wrong world. At the beginning I was worried it was going to turn into a cliché-filled, overly stereotypical tale of less well-off families. It does in small doses, but feels legitimate for the majority. Cast-wise it isn't amazing, though it's impossible not to give praise to youngsters Conner Chapman (Arbor) and Shaun Thomas (Swiftly) as they give very respectable performances, especially when taking into account the tricky nature of role and premise. Sean Gilder is good as Kitten, while some of the others are solid enough. It's both impactful and heartbreaking, especially across the third act. Recommended viewing.
