Filipe Neto The story of this film is very touching: focusing on four young Australian orphans, the film portrays the end of childhood and the beginning of adolescence. The four boys are united by an immortal friendship strengthened by constant union. Having no family, they became family to one another. The eldest, in fact, no longer has any hope of knowing what it is to have a mother and father. They're sent by the orphanage to a small seashore village as a birthday present but, on this trip, their bonds of friendship and brotherhood will be tested when they suspect that a couple of local residents may be thinking of adopting one of them. It's also a moment of discovery of sexuality. The four are already curious about women, but only one really is old enough to do their sexual initiation.The cast revolves around four young actors, being the oldest and most famous of them Daniel Radcliffe, the eternal "Harry Potter". Lee Cormie, Christian Byers and James Fraser, three actors unknown to me so far, complete the quartet. I think they were all excellent in their respective roles, being the youngest of all to assume the role of narrating the story, in hindsight. Each one will overcome their personal challenges and will mature with it, which makes the film gradually more serious, mature and emotive. At the end, the most emotional scene shows us how that friendship has surpassed the test of time. A word of praise for the choice of filming locations, with beautiful maritime landscapes and enchanting beaches.I think most people who see this movie do it because of Daniel Radcliffe but, after watching it, I think it has a lot more to offer. The whole cast was very good, the place is beautiful but, above all, the story told is very touching.

Dee Mou A touching account of the stresses and joys a group orphaned children (under reasonably good care at an orphanage based in Australia). A group of four, named "December Boys" (DB) primarily because they're all identified as such on their birthday month, are the first selected to be treated to a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity for a Christmas holiday by the sea. The movie takes us across the length of quite an amazing Australian countryside. From the get go, the DB are like brothers in every sense. For Radcliffe, this film overlaps a bit with the Harry Potter movie series. Here he is the eldest of the DB group and the "big brother" of the group, enjoying the experience but less mesmerized by everything than the younger boys in the group. The youngest of the group, "Misty," is very much reminiscent of Radcliffe in "HP Sorcerer's Stone" in terms of his look of wonder and amazement at everything he sees. It's the older and wiser Misty who narrates the story. He's the first to be bitten by the temptation of the little community by the sea. (No Spoilers.)A very heavy element of Catholicism is present throughout the film -- the orphanage is run by religious sisters, a priest chaperones the DBs on holiday, the family sponsoring their seaside holiday is extremely religious, and Misty has a unique understanding of the Virgin Mary and of women in general. (No spoilers, however you should be ready for the religious element coupled with the boyish considerations of good and bad.) The boys are entertained by almost anything, and the members of the little seaside community each have their encounters/shenanigans with the DBs, but midway in the film Misty turns on the group in a desperate effort to secure his adoption by the family sponsoring their holiday. (No spoilers.) Radcliffe ("Map" in the film) is struggling with the fact that he's nearly old enough to be let out of the orphanage; for the majority of the film he tries to play the subdued teenager who isn't easily moved or eager to be adopted, but other factors come into play for him. (No spoilers.)There's a funny confessional scene you'll have to see for yourself, but the most moving aspect of the film is that faith and brotherhood thrive even in the desolate little neighborhood. While nobody in the town is well off by any means, the message to "do unto others..." and to help lift each other up is present among the adults throughout, not only though their words of prayer, but through their quiet actions.The story is very touching and relatable. A lovely film you should watch for yourself.

liten I've seen a lot of movies, from Hollywood to Bollywood, jumping countries and continent, mixing comedies and dramas, actors and amateurs, but I have never seen a movie where I knew that even though it would be sad ending, I would feel happy about it, knowing the characters in the film will always be happy.Where to start...the acting was simple and brilliant. You could not ask more of children this age. Daniel Radcliffe also shone in this role, and I am always delighted to see his movies (he is truly an inspiration for people who want to do good in this world). The scenery is gorgeous. A rocky cove in a corner of Australia, away from civilisation, with power-lines turned on by generators, and sand-dunes and old cars to play on. Simply put, the simple things in life we now take for granted and shun, because we have our iPads and computers, cars and video games. We have forgotten the feeling of brotherhood, of looking out for each other, of enjoying the simple things in life, of fighting but reconciling in the end, of the merit of good deeds that, even when they are hard to make, come back to you in a good way.There is not one criticism I would make of this film. It is a film about growing up and making hard choices, about loneliness and a sense of belonging, about friendship, brotherhood, first love and lost, family, parenting, good life skills. Anything you want, this movie offers.Do not believe a word the critics say. I haven't, and I was absolutely delighted by this movie. If you have a heart and are a human being, you will too. And after you have wept in tears of joy about the beautiful melancholy and serene sense of purpose this movie guides you to, you will then recommend it to your friends, and the words of love and life will spread.100 out of 10!

akka10 Boring, bland plot. Undeveloped characters. Not well written. I have not read original novel. So I am hoping, it has all the ingredients of a memorable coming of age tale. The fault may be in the screen adaptation. Overall a really thin, predictable plot. More so an advertising campaign for the South Australian tourism board than anything. Nice photography. But the whole thing didn't 'have it'. It confused me, it could of been passed off as a children's film, as it was such a simple, predictable plot. But, the nudity (which I am fine with) says that it was not produced for the children's film market. I think if this had been produced and sold as a children's movie, it would of cut it. But, it is clearly designed for a young adult/adult market. Unfortunately it is 'laugh out loud' bad, trying to watch this film seriously as an adult. Sorry filmmakers, you blew your chance at making a good film. Go back to film school. Really awful, in fact embarrassingly awful.