Nickel Boys

7.1 - I, in no way, want it to seem like this wasn’t powerful or moving, or well done. But I think I fall on the side of the stylistic choices coming off as potentially gimmicky, & overall somewhat distracting from the absolute gut wrenching emotional center of the story.

The shifting POV (or almost POV angle in present day), to the non-linear timelines, to the intercuts of other time relevant news stories all almost became a distraction rather than a useful prop for the central story. Trying to remember (or figure out) whose view I was watching & what time were we in made me realize a few times I was almost more concerned with how the film was being made & delivered, more than the what was happening to these people. And this story deserves better than that. I expect there were probably concerns about telling this story conventionally coming off as cliche, but I can’t help but wonder what that final product might have looked like.

There is still a ton to love. It’s shot beautifully & acted well. And the emotion is absolutely felt, regardless of delivery. It is one that should be seen by as many people as possible. And it’s a story I want to learn more about. I appreciate the creativity, I just wish it connected more smoothly.

i didn’t like the way this was filmed, the pov perspective shows a lack of emotion and empathy which is crucial considering the theme of the movie that being said i think the film is so slow most of the time so i just cannot connect with it

The Nickel Boys follows two Black boys trapped in a brutal reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida, where they endure unspeakable cruelty and cling to hope for survival. Shot from a first-person POV, the film’s perspective makes its harrowing true story feel even more immersive and inescapable. The weight of its subject matter is heightened by stellar performances from both lead actors, while the cinematography and symbolism add even more layers to unpack. A beautifully made but devastating film. 8/10

7/10 ta bien

The first person perspective makes you step into the mind and body of these characters, like documenting their own experience & making the viewer more compassionate. The dichotomy between Elwood and Turner shows two very different perspectives. A beautiful & harrowing film.
8/10

I was deeply moved by the film's powerful and thought-provoking portrayal. Directed by RaMell Ross and starring Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson, this film's first-person point-of-view adds to its emotional impact.

Rating
8.1/10

I gave this film a high rating due to its impactful storytelling, strong performances, and effective direction. The film's themes of trauma, resilience, and the struggle for justice are well-explored.

The Good
• Narrative & Story (Strengths): The plot is engaging and thought-provoking. The themes of trauma, resilience, and the struggle for justice are well-explored.
• Characters (Strengths): The characters are well-developed and complex, with standout performances from Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson.
• Directing & Filmmaking (Strengths): The direction is effective, with impressive cinematography and impactful sound design. The first-person point-of-view adds to the film's emotional impact.
• Enjoyment & Engagement: I was thoroughly engaged by the film's powerful storytelling and strong performances.

The Not So Good
• Pacing: The pacing could be tighter in some areas, with a few scenes feeling slightly slow.

The Verdict
"Nickel Boys" is a powerful and thought-provoking historical drama. With its impactful storytelling, strong performances, and effective direction, I would highly recommend it to fans of historical dramas and those interested in stories of resilience and survival.

Additional Categories
• Genre & Tone: The film effectively handles the historical drama genre, maintaining a consistent tone throughout.
• Target Audience: The film seems to be targeting fans of historical dramas and those interested in stories of social justice.
• Originality & Innovation: The film's use of a first-person point-of-view adds to its emotional impact and originality.
• Themes & Messages: The film effectively conveys the themes of trauma, resilience, and the struggle for justice, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.