Search - My Boy Jack on DVD

Powerful and Moving

Nate is my fake name | MA, USA | 12/27/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I won't comment on the historical accuracies or inaccuracies of this film (for example, obviously we cannot know what Jack's final moments were exactly like; the only reason this gets a 4). While the changing of events in otherwise historical films can severely detract from the quality of the work, I do not believe that was the case here, as I feel this is much more about the characters than anything else.

I purchased this because I am a long time fan of Kipling, and the first thing I thought of when I saw this movie in the store was, "Hey, that's the name of a Kipling poem!" I picked it up, read the back of the case, and bought it.

The acting is superb. Daniel Radcliffe, otherwise known for his work in the Harry Potter movies, pulls of this dramatic role powerfully and believably. Haig's performance as the senior Kipling is incredibly moving. First, I was appalled at how he glorified war and the state, and then I felt pity for his loss and heartbreak, but the important thing is that in both cases I FELT it, and I BELIEVED it. This was truly some of the best acting I've seen this year.

The anguish that Jack's parents felt was powerful and moving, and Haig's reciting of the poem at the end of the movie literally gave me goosebumps and, yes I'll admit, brought a few tears to my eyes.

I highly recommend this movie. 4.5 stars"

Really Smashing!!

P. Jacobs | Oregon | 07/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If I were giving out awards, I would love to give several to this production. The most smashing male performance in the film was that of David Haig. Rudyard would have been proud of him. The thing that I love about this movie is the attention to detail, from the realism of the trenches to the costuming and the fact that they actually filmed it at the Kipling home, makes this production of "My Boy Jack" one of the best films made.

Daniel Radcliffe was the natural pick for Harry Potter; and all of us fans have watched him grow from a small boy to the man that he portayed in this movie put out a fine, fine performance as the young man that went to war for King and Country.

I cannot say enough about Kim Catrall that played Jack's mother. She impressed me and I believe that it was her finest role to this point.

It really conveys the impact, not only losing a son, but losing a brother and a cherished member of a family to war."