User reviews

This movie is not your usual feature packed movie.....more of a documentary style look at the lives of a disjointed family in the western suburbs of Sydney Australia. A life where violence reigns supreme, where there is little or no love. It is quite slow, but slowly draws the viewer into the lives of the 3 brothers and those around them. Excellent performance all round. This movie is more of a character based work, rather than relying on special effect etc. The sad part is, this way of life is all too common in the western suburbs of Sydney.

None too unrealistic account of westie sons in a fibro house with a chicken wire fence. Bang in the stubbies, daggy haircuts, goatees, and scabby jeans and that is just about the whole package. Based loosely around a horrendous crime, the film really shows the power of fear and how a sinister bully can infect and create an atmosphere for all to choke on. Brett is well acted and Jackie has i right when she says they all felt safer when he was in jail. The unrealistic part is that all the sons have their liberty and there is not an ankle bracelet to be seen. You could say that being a westie means you don't have a chance but Toni Collette comes from sunny downtown Blacktown so it seems some get out. That she was back in a washing shed for this flick was mildly amusing.

Not a cheery film by any means, more a hopeless account of a funny kind of low bottom snobbery - you all think yer better than us cos we're scum and we don't want yer pity but what chance do we have cos no one does nuthin for us.

Some years ago in the western suburbs of Sydney there was a particularly nasty rape and killing of a young nurse on her way home from work carried out by two brothers and their friend. The incident became known as the Anita Cobby case and although the killers were caught and convicted, its reverberations still continue in the NSW criminal justice system. This film, from Gordon Graham's play, is not a recounting of the Cobby case, but attempts to answer the question: what sort of people could have perpetrated such a crime? The answer given here, in a coldly clinical examination, is a domineering psychopath and his two compliant brothers brought up in a family where the women are treated as mere conveniences.

David Wenham, more usually associated with pleasant off-beat characters like Diver Dan in the TV series "Sea Change", plays the evil Brett, who has just done time for assault, and is back home manipulating his family and girlfriend. Despite the fact he spends most of his time sitting around drinking beer, everyone is afraid of him. He has the happy knack of being able to inspire fear just by looking at someone and lowering his voice. It is a remarkably powerful performance. Toni Collette as Brett's girlfriend Michelle is able to give us some insight into why an apparently sane (if insecure) woman would want Brett - it's the buzz of his badness that attracts.

Being derived from a play, there is drama here, but because the approach is also rather clinical, it does feel a bit like looking at cockroaches through a magnifying lens. It's hard to feel much empathy with Brett - whatever made him what he is, he's pretty nasty and permanent incarceration seems to be the best option. If there is any chance of redemption it is not evident here. The other brothers Glen and Stevie are not so bad (though Stevie has a violent streak), but easily led, or bullied. In other circumstances they would not have committed such a crime. So in the end it is down to Brett and we don't even get a hint as to why he is as he is. He does tell us "we are all gods" by which he means we are all responsible for what we do. In his case he's happy to be a murdering psychopath. So look out.

This movie is the most powerful piece of cinema to come out of Australia and the performances by all actors, and in particular David Wenham and Toni Colletter where incredible.

It is in the same league as Romper Stomper, and, Chopper, but with better acting.

This film was never intended to be a documentary or to be an insight into the criminal mind and those who have reviewed it as such have totally missed the point. This is a movie about smalltime criminals that pulls no punches and tells it as it is and doesn't try to glorify these characters unlike the sort of movies you see coming out of Hollywood that are from the same genre.

If you are looking for a "moral" to the story, or to learn some "facts" about the criminal world you may be disappointed with this film.

But if you like intensely realistic plot lines and powerful acting performances then you will find "The Boys" to be one of those movies that you must add to your DVD library.

Rowan Wood's film The Boys is a cracking little drama from Australia, driven by some excellent performances and notable for an early appearance from David Wenham & Toni Collette on screen together before they hit it big over in the states.

This film is intense, taken as a slow burning drama it works incredibly well as a portrait of a working class Australian family tearing itself apart over the course of a single day. It culminates in an ending that leaves the viewer cold, featuring intertwined cut-scenes strewn throughout the film which show later consequences only serving to intensify the lack of resolution and bleakness present as the credits start to roll.

As a director Rowan Woods adds some nice touches though the main focus of the film is on developing the characters present. The opening sequences feature an almost surrealistic focus on an everyday Australian household setting and the objects within it, something quite unknown to me in the realms of film which sets a spooky tone to the minimalist soundtrack composed by The Necks. Grainy shots of the city at night between sequences further this, capturing perfectly the maudlin vibes I know so well.

The Boys is a very well made film, one of the most accomplished dramas to have come out of Australia. Being born on these shores personally and having known people who live like this it becomes all the more relevant. It is bleak but despite this there is an uneasy humor throughout, the plight of the ultimately pathetic characters striking an ambiguity where you don't know whether to laugh or feel disturbed.

This is life... is it not?

What a Movie...this movie was impacting, and left a sour taste in my mouth. Brett Sprague was an extremely nasty piece of works. David Wenham brought the character of Brett to life so brilliantly. I was in fear of this character, and what was the most frightening aspect was that this character felt real... not a "Freddy Kruger" type of unbelievable scary character, but a TRUE nightmare... there are people like Brett out there in the world, and that was what was so frightening for me. This movie had a tremendous sense of fear and danger throughout. Every performance was outstanding, especially those of David Wenham, Toni Collette and Lynette Curran. The women in the film sensed the imminent danger, but the brothers were just hopelessly and dangerously in awe of their brother, Brett. This is Australian film making at its best, and I would like to commend our film industry with taking risks, and encouraging our artists to continue to make wonderfully original and creative films. Congratulations to all concerned.

A young Australian man leaves prison and returns to his family consisting of his mother, his two brothers, and their women. We see a slice of life into a working class dysfunctional family and how the dynamics contribute to the criminal, destructive actions of its members.

That much is quite realistically portrayed and is not much different than what you might find in Europe or America. The only thing uniquely Australian is the very thick Aussie accent, often mumbled by the characters. In case you have as much trouble as I understanding the dialog, and assuming you're seeing this on cable or a recording, turn on the closed caption. The resulting subtitles will greatly enhance your comprehension and enjoyment of the film.

In reading others' comments, I know there are many who really loved this film and found it had a powerful impact. I'm sorry I can't share their enthusiasm. I do like many films in this genre, but this one just didn't do it for me.While it does have its positive qualities, I felt the film ultimately does not deliver very well. The nonlinear sequence is more confusing than enlightening. In addition, creating a sense of dullness and drabness unfortunately often makes this production rather dull and drab. If the subject intrigues you, it's a worthwhile watch. But don't set your expectations too high.

This is acting at its best! Although confrontational, "The Boys" serves as a reminder that society is made up of many characters including those less than endearing in "The Boys". Brilliant ensemble acting including a stand out performance by David Wenham gives this movie the edge above the normal urban society story.

The Boys is a movie with a high score, with extremely positive reviews, and that thricked me into watching it. Do I regret it? Kind of, as it's really nothing special. The acting is okay, nothing wrong about that aspect of the movie, but the story is boring, slow and too long, the timeline mostly confusing, the camerawork is half of the time shaky, in other words all ingredients for a mediocre movie. I don't get what people find extraordinary about The Boys, it's just a mess going nowhere.

The Western suburbs of Sydney and Brett is released from prison to be welcomed back into his own prison, Home. The family are at odds with life and Brett makes matters worse. By evenings end the brothers dwell into a deep dark void and go on a primitive hunt. A disturbing film capturing the struggle of the male species placed at the bottom of the social ladder. Brett, repressed by the laws of society and the repressor of the weak, portrays the primitive role of man as he and his brothers roam within the confines of their cave where they rule supreme. In the outside world they are powerless. They even fail in controlling their women that their forefathers were able to do with a heavy hand. So society has changed but not the testerone levels these men carry. Have we gone against nature and created these oppressed monsters who break and rise to seek their fury on the weak? A wonderful discussion to have over a beer and BBQ. The director Woods opts for the neo-realist approach that works in the confine spaces of the house. Strong filmmaking for a small film carrying important issues.

While you watch this surprisingly short film, again, you are reminded, it's not quality, not quantity, and The Boys is a jarringly intense masterpiece of scenes, that seem handpicked, as they are all potent, with some truly claustrophobic moments. One reason, evidently stands out: David Wenham, as one of three ex cons, good for nothing brothers, who's just got out of the nick. The telling of this story moves back and forth, so don't try and think, just enjoy this blessed experience of high calibre acting, Lynette Curran up there with Wenham, as the much suffering mother, while Toni Collette relishes in a role in what you would call her most sexiest, as Wenham's loud mouthed girlfriend. This is basically a domestic drama, but the film's magic, is in how the story's utilized, so tight knit, a no holed drama, which is at times, is so confrontingly real, especially in Wenham's performance. The fantastic Another Hayes plays the weak, unhinged, patsy sort of brother, kind of reminding you a bit of him, in Suburban Mayhem, where he also played a, good for nothing loser. John Polson, seems the most together brother, you so want him to get his life on track, and leave with his girlfriend, sugar mummy, of higher class, but, his brothers mean too much to him. The film with it's dark music scores, and fade outs, that work perfectly for this film, mirrors real life, with an all too realness, in a chilling, engrossing watch, that sadly runs shorter than you want it too, it's last scene, memorably scarring. One Oz movie experience, which again does us proud, joining that section of fine Oz films.

As real as it gets here with some outstanding performances on display. Probably the most realistic portrayal of a cold blooded human you wish you never knew.

David Wenham, who plays the role of Brett, has pulls off a masterpiece performance as a heartless criminal out on parole who returns home to his mother and two brothers. He doesn't even last 24 hours out of jail before destroying his family's lives by dragging himself and both his brothers into another crime that will land them all behind bars.

I grew up in Melbourne with a few blokes like this and to say honestly most of them are more at home locked up than walking around free. It's sad but true!!

This is as real as it gets!! 9.5 out of 10 for me.

The film captures the ennui and listlessness that precedes a horrific crime. Wenham is great as the sociopathic protagonist - his lack of affect adds to the undercurrent of menace. The other characters orbit around him, tragically unable to escape his malign influence.

Toni Collette's performance is embarrassingly bad and destroys the film for me. Unlike the rest of the cast she doesn't know the character she's playing. She thinks she's in My Cousin Vinny. It's amusing that the worst actor in the film ended up having the most lucrative career. The only conclusion is that there is no God. I found her ludicrous performance unwatchable.

but then it ended. The characters were so tiresome I just

wanted to strangle them. I'll never get those 86 minutes of my life back. I saw this film at the Mill Valley Film Festival, and there wasn't even polite applause at the end.

The filmmakers of "The Boys" get so deep inside the blamings and self pity of humanity's monsters, you could almost miss the culpability of the ineffectual women who enable them to grow up into walking catastrophes. The events of this film, set off by the first day of parole for angry young headcase Brett Sprague, lead to a decision so horribly wrong-headed and repellent, that a suspended moment of nothing but a black screen is one of the most excruciating pregnant pauses in the history of films. Up to this point, there's a kitchen sink drama like almost no other (Gary Oldman's "Nil By Mouth" a close cousin, but not nearly as upsetting) and lacerating performances by the cast and crew - The sound designer gets a deserved opening credit.

It appears that this movie was well appreciated in Australia, but had an abortion of a release here in the US. Now that it's on video, it's one of the best lost gems you're likely to score this year.

You don't often see acting like this in movies. It puts the academy awards into perspective. So said Roger Ebert in his review in Once Were Warriors. And the same applies here. David Wenham is simply jaw droppingly good in his portrayal of an unhinged, resentful and cold hearted man who sets out on a mission, intentional or not, to drive away anyone even remotely close to him. He has nothing but calculated cruelty in his words and his actions, only wanting to drop everyone to a lower level than him and give him power. Power that masks his deep insecurity and self loathing. It is simply the best acting performance I have seen in an Australian movie. Every supporting character is equally as engaging, especially John Polson as his clueless brother. Funny how a small movie mainly set in one house and based on a stage play stays with you far longer than a big budget Hollywood pic. Sometimes all you need is interesting characters and a strong script to make its mark. You will be glued to the screen from start to finish.

This movie is not entertainment and should be approached with caution. That said, it is a powerful insight into how a certain strata of society lives. You see the boredom and hopelessness and the effect it has on the individual and the family.

The strength of the movie lies in the control and stillness of the main character. This is not a man you want to meet, let alone upset.

The reason I was riveted by this film is because it was so real. And so Australian. I know lots of blokes like Brett Sprague.

In the scene where Brett accuses Nola of calling the cops, Nola turns away from him and Brett says "Hey....hey, look at me." In the nonchalant way he says is more terrifying than if he was yelling at the top of his lungs. You can tell there's something evil festering away inside Brett.

David Wenham puts in one of best performances in Australian cinema. His domineering portrayal of Brett was one of the most chilling I've seen in recent years. I'd rank it alongside the animal presence in "In The Winter Dark" for pure scare value.

This movie is what Australian film is all about. Not cross-dressers going cross country in a bus, or a bunch of idiots having a zany family christmas, or even a full Australian cast falling over themselves because the main star is American.

1998 was a fantasic year for Aussie films, & The Boys was one of the best.

**** out of four.

this movie flat out rules. i must have seen it now at least 50 times. the intensity and at times frightening realistic dialogue really knocked me out when i first saw this. if you dont see this movie RIGHT NOW, i honestly dont know what to do with you. all the cast is first-rate , especially dave wenham, whose bogan warrior character brett made me wish i was sydney white trash, i cant stand seachange but i have to admit i started watching it such to see wenham in action. john polson continues to impress me too - from sum of us to idiot box - all his roles he seems to excel in - well done. i think this movie has only just been released overseas - so track this down if you live overseas - do yourself a favour and youll thank me later... this has to be the most screwed-up family in history!!!

mark

Some people argue that Brett is a prisoner in his own home. I argue that Brett is a prisoner of social-class, but he is superior in this class. He is a God-like figure who ignores his Mother's authority. He is frequently placed with lights above his head, symbolic of a halo and heavenly presence. In fact, Brett even goes so far as to say that 'we are all Gods in our own world'. Brett is not imprisoned in his home. Rather, he is imprisoned by his social-class location. In this social class he is superior. He is a God in his own world rather than a prisoner.

I had such high hopes for this film. "Powerful", read the Sydney Post. "Mesmerising", "Frightening", "Terrorfying!". None of the above. What "The Boys" is, is a slow and boring piece, similar to the frayed edges of a shoelace: it goes all over the place.

Brett Sprague has just been released from jail, and arrives back to re-establish himself into the family. Living at home are his two deadbeat brothers, his mother who's 'proud of her boys', and his girlfriend. He makes himself noticed again by flaring up his violent temper.

I don't know what exactly this film is about. It's just so vague and pointless. I can't recommend it to anyone except arthouse fans, which I am, but was sorely disappointed by this film.

Four out of ten.