The film, shot in South Africa, follows a city boy named August (Litlhonolofatso Litlhakanyane) who, after his mother's passing, is taken into custody by his grand-uncle Thabo (Tony Kgoroge) and his wife Emmie (Téa Leonie) following several unsuccessful attempts by his family to find him a new home. Although August does not take too kindly to this move, the prospect of befriending an ostrich he encounters changes his worldview for the better. Once the ostrich is sent off to its owner, never to return, August takes it upon himself to raise the egg that she left behind. Doing so brings new experiences and challenges for him and his family to face.
The film's plot is greatly steeped in themes of family and belonging, which, given how universal these themes are, can easily resonate with the audience as the film develops. While it has its fair share of heavy moments, touching on mature topics such as animal welfare, orphan-hood, and death, they are masterfully juxtaposed with more lighthearted, down-to-earth moments that makes the film all the more impactful. With shots ranging from an extreme close-up of August waking up, to an overhead shot at night of August celebrating in a grassy field upon discovering that the ostrich egg he has is fertile, the film offers a wide variety of mesmerizing shots that are both eye-pleasing and convey emotions to the audience through unique angles and dynamic lighting.
Litlhakanyane's portrayal of August balances a realistic depiction of what those experiencing loss experience through his eccentric humor, and a strong sense of companionship between him and Kobus (the ostrich he raises). The latter is something the film does especially well as, despite the absurdity of the concept -- they manage to make the relationships between themselves and Kobus feel natural. My favorite part of the film is the moment when Thabo, after unexpected circumstances that lead to Kobus being sent off to an animal factory, tells August that there are two important dates in an individual's life: the day of their birth, and the day they figure out why. Not only is this moment thematically important, providing August with the resolve to fight to get Kobus back, but this quote, like the film's thematic elements, is universally applicable and can be reflected upon by the audience. The background music is a powerful element in the film as it intensifies the emotions already brewing. Téa Leonie plays a key cast member, Emmie, Thabo's wife and brings the grace and passion that she is known for.
The film's message is that anyone can be considered part of one's family, not just those who raise you.
I give Bird Boy 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Christian C., KIDS FIRST!
The film, shot in South Africa, follows a city boy named August (Litlhonolofatso Litlhakanyane) who, after his mother's passing, is taken into custody by his grand-uncle Thabo (Tony Kgoroge) and his wife Emmie (Téa Leonie) following several unsuccessful attempts by his family to find him a new home. Although August does not take too kindly to this move, the prospect of befriending an ostrich he encounters changes his worldview for the better. Once the ostrich is sent off to its owner, never to return, August takes it upon himself to raise the egg that she left behind. Doing so brings new experiences and challenges for him and his family to face.
The film's plot is greatly steeped in themes of family and belonging, which, given how universal these themes are, can easily resonate with the audience as the film develops. While it has its fair share of heavy moments, touching on mature topics such as animal welfare, orphan-hood, and death, they are masterfully juxtaposed with more lighthearted, down-to-earth moments that makes the film all the more impactful. With shots ranging from an extreme close-up of August waking up, to an overhead shot at night of August celebrating in a grassy field upon discovering that the ostrich egg he has is fertile, the film offers a wide variety of mesmerizing shots that are both eye-pleasing and convey emotions to the audience through unique angles and dynamic lighting.
Litlhakanyane's portrayal of August balances a realistic depiction of what those experiencing loss experience through his eccentric humor, and a strong sense of companionship between him and Kobus (the ostrich he raises). The latter is something the film does especially well as, despite the absurdity of the concept -- they manage to make the relationships between themselves and Kobus feel natural. My favorite part of the film is the moment when Thabo, after unexpected circumstances that lead to Kobus being sent off to an animal factory, tells August that there are two important dates in an individual's life: the day of their birth, and the day they figure out why. Not only is this moment thematically important, providing August with the resolve to fight to get Kobus back, but this quote, like the film's thematic elements, is universally applicable and can be reflected upon by the audience. The background music is a powerful element in the film as it intensifies the emotions already brewing. Téa Leonie plays a key cast member, Emmie, Thabo's wife and brings the grace and passion that she is known for.
The film's message is that anyone can be considered part of one's family, not just those who raise you.
I give Bird Boy 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. By Christian C., KIDS FIRST!
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