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I came upon this film quite by accident when I turned on the TV this afternoon. I was intrigued by Daniel Radcliffe being in a non-Harry Potter movie, because I feel he has an innate ability to play characters who feel real and multi-dimensional. He didn't disappoint, delivering yet another beautiful portrayal of a soul coming to grips with his lot in life.

The movie begins somewhat soberly and you wonder what life must really be like for the boys in this Catholic orphanage. When four best friends, all boys born in December, are asked to stand to receive their gifts, I almost wondered if they weren't being punished instead because the nuns seemed so humorless and stiff. But then the boys learn that a generous benefactor has enabled them to spend a holiday at the coast (the orphanage is in the extremely flat and dull Australian Outback), and the film takes on a more relaxed feel.

Since I haven't read the book, I felt a little lost in a few places, like why this older couple wanted four boys to come spend the summer with them. Two of the boys' characters aren't well developed; the story focuses on the children as friends, and on two of the boys: Maps, the oldest (Daniel Radcliffe) and Misty, the bespectacled one who most wishes to be adopted and who narrates the film as an adult.

Even without some of the gaps filled in, I became absorbed in the story, especially once Misty overhears that a young couple there is thinking of adopting one of the boys. He does not initially tell his friends but begins to behave as the perfect child to win them over, but finally shares the rumor after being scolded to during confession. At that point, the boys' friendship is tested because they begin to compete for the couple's affections, and the viewer wonders if their deep bond will survive this test.

Along the way, Maps falls for a beautiful girl and gradually but excitedly lets his guard down in his first real experiences with a girl. Watching that part of the story unfold is bittersweet, but a triumph for Radcliffe, who at once shows that both he and his character are becoming a man while still really being just a boy.

At the risk of spoiling further aspects of the plot, I will say no more about the story. The scenery is beautifully shot and there is much beauty to be found. There are both light-hearted and heavy-hearted moments, and it's endearing to watch the boys figure out how they should behave in both situations, given their regimented lives at the orphanage. At the end, you may want a tissue, but you won't mind, having spent the previous 1:45 coming of age along with these boys.

Two final thoughts: Yes, it is heavy on the religion because the boys do live in a Catholic orphanage and it's not surprising their benefactors would be deeply religious as well. Misty himself is quite religious, and it's through his eyes that we see most of the religious symbols. I myself am not a Catholic but understood how this was an important part of the story. And I would not recommend this movie for children because there is some brief nudity and some sexual content; I wouldn't show it to my 13-year-old. I didn't notice the rating on it but for mature teens who'd appreciate the story it's probably okay.

Being a Daniel Radcliffe fan, I waited months for this movie to finally be available for purchase on DVD. While it is a cute film, I was disappointed. Maybe my expectations were too high, but it wasn't anything spectacular and I didn't enjoy the ending. It is worth watching, but unless you are a Dan Rad fan, I would say just rent the movie.

December Boys is a movie about the bonds of friendship, and what genuinely makes a family.
Maureen

i <3 dan so i figured this would be worth owning and i was right. Great film!