So much average

Just what I expected

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

The film in my opinion is a fantastic representation of a child's experience of the troubles in northern ireland. It is quite accurate.It could be classified as a comedy, but I would say it's more of a dark comedy because, while the kids are playful and goofy at times, as one would expect the setting is entirely depressing. The mothers' characters are unforeseen because they do not fall into normal Irish stereotypes. However, the father's characters are very stereotypically Irish, which was somewhat disappointing. Nevertheless, an important film to see.It is about the loss of innocence in a tragic environment and two friends trying to hold onto what little peace they have left.The editing and cinematography is at times lame, but at other times absolutely fantastic, especially the ending scenes -- pay attention because it is visually stunning.8/10 because, while the acting is good, at times the movie is a bit too ridiculous and it borderlines on slapstick, a poor choice for the director in my opinion.

I love this film. I hired it out from the video shop on a whim and it completely blew me away. The acting of the two young boys is the best that I've ever seen from children, Mickybo in particular stole every scene that he was in. The locations may not have been geographically correct but the scenery was gorgeous and complimented the two stars.Though some have said that it is contrived and clichéd, to me this film is wonderful. It's a beautiful story about two different boys who become friends, discover their differences, and learn a bit about life.I showed it to a friend of mine and now he won't give it back!

To say that to watch this would give a reasonable insight as to what it is like being a Catholic in Northern Ireland, is like saying watch "Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid" to discover how life was in America at the turn of the 19th Century. This film was made for entertainment value only I believe. I do not believe that any hidden social statement was intended. The Protestant boy is portrayed typically as better off than his Catholic counterpart. Not always the case as anyone who knows anything about the warring ghetto factions in Northern Ireland will tell you. The film was full of clichés but highly enjoyable and cinematic. I don't know if has gone to DVD yet but is worth a viewing if it does. As for leaving the cinema, I hope you never go to see Home Alone !!

The story is basically that of two young boys in Belfast in the summer of 1970 who come from opposite sides of the sectarian divide. Obsessed with the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, they decide to run away to Australia and leave their problems behind.I've seen this film twice and would happily watch it again. The two young main characters, Jonjo and Mickybo, are wonderfully cast and the story dwells on their friendship and their need to escape their lives rather than being just another film about the Troubles in Northern Ireland.The cast is excellent, Adrian Dunbar being a standout as the wastrel father. The film is definitely a crowd pleaser but the story is good enough to avoid being corny or sentimental.