New Boy
New Boy

Movie spotlight

New Boy

2007
Movie
11 min
English

A young African boy with a haunting backstory starts school in Ireland and quickly finds out exactly what it means to be the new kid. Winner of Best Narrative Short at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival and nominated for an Oscar.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Kim Seong-hunGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In 1970s South Korea, a young boy named Lee Jung-woo is sent to live with his aunt and uncle after his parents' separation. He struggles to adapt to his new environment and the strict boarding school he attends, facing bullying from his peers and harsh discipline from his teachers. Amidst his challenges, he finds solace and a sense of belonging in an unlikely friendship with a fellow student and a compassionate nun.

Critical Reception

New Boy received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its poignant storytelling, strong performances, and evocative portrayal of childhood struggles in a specific historical context. The film was lauded for its emotional depth and its sensitive handling of themes like bullying, alienation, and the search for identity.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its emotional resonance and exploration of childhood hardship.

  • Noted for strong performances, particularly from the young lead actor.

  • Appreciated for its sensitive depiction of navigating difficult social dynamics.

Google audience: Audience reviews for 'New Boy' highlight its touching narrative and the relatable struggles of its young protagonist. Many viewers found the film to be a moving experience, connecting with its themes of resilience and friendship in the face of adversity.

Fun Fact

The film is set against the backdrop of South Korea in the 1970s, a period marked by significant political and social change, which influences the characters' experiences and the overall atmosphere of the film.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

When "Joseph" (Ulutunji Ebun-Cole) arrives at his new Irish junior school, he is immediately reminded of his school at home (somewhere in Africa) and of the trauma that he experienced there that rather dwarves the petty bullying that he is ...