A good description of this movie would be a mix of Moonrise Kingdom and Borat (but not as edgy). Watiti shows his prowess as a director and writer through extremely effective cinematography and hilarious but subtle script. The acting and score for this film are almost perfect. And Watiti does a great job of bringing colors into the slums of New Zealand especially in Boy's dream sequences about his father this helps emphasize the child like mood. I believe there is sometiing in thus film for almost everyone and I highly recommend it.

I realise that most have rated this movie more highly, but personally I found is unsatisfying, somewhat pretentious, and ultimately boring. There were flashes of humour, but I found the story insufficient to sustain a full-length movie, and the the tone of the movie variable. Perhaps it requires a particular view of rural 1980s New Zealand life - and a subculture of that - to appreciate this trifle of a film.

In all its simplicity and quirkiness this has become my favourite movie of all time. There are actually many layers to this film and it deals with a wide array of topics regarding the human condition in a humorous and playful manner. Heart wrenching scenes dealing with the loss of a parent, loneliness and rejection are masterfully interwoven with the beauty of imagination as seen through the eyes of the young protagonist. I always have been fascinated by Maori culture and it was endearing to see how young Maori's struggle to find meaning and happiness in their lives. This movie is well acted, incredibly well cast and beautifully put together in all aspects. If you have not seen this film yet, please go and watch it with your whole family. I assure you that you will all enjoy the experience!

WE watched this movie tonight on Netflix and both liked it very much. We are old and live in Maine USA which is about as far away as you can get from the setting of this movie, but the themes are universal. Poverty, neglect, crime, stupidity, charm, delight, love, The main problem we had was in not always understanding the dialogue, but actually that didn't really matter and with a roku you can back space and catch up. Both the brother actors were wonderful. All the actors were very good. I could not understand what nationality the characters were. My husband said Polynesisan. But that didn't matter. I would definitely recommend this to a sensitive, understanding viewer.