Best Boy

"Best Boy" is one of the loveliest, most heartbreaking yet life-affirming documentaries ever filmed. When I saw it with a group of special education teachers in the early 1990s--teachers who knew students just like Philly and taught them day in and day out--there was not a dry eye in the house. "Best Boy" touches the heart and establishes that the greatest "need" for special people is their liberation from pampering and being spoon-fed, and ultimately being self-sufficient. It also asks the all important question of parents: Are you there for your child (even if the child is nearing 50), or is the "child" there for you? An exceptionally moving film-going experience. If you don't cry while watching this touching real-life story, then you might want to check your pulse.

"Good show old boy!" Enough of my lame English accent. Just wanted to support the movie commentary with a good old "three cheers" for this film. It is BRILLIANT.

If there is a rule to making an excellent film, it exists in his project.

If there were any guidelines on how to make a remarkable movie, it is found here, in Best Boy. Let's watch and learn here. OK, that's it. Thanks IMDb. Thank you for taking an interest in this fine film. Now I go back to commenting on Resident Evil 2, which is pure fly crap in comparison to Best Boy. Can I say that? Why am I talking to myself?

This is an excellent film about the heartbreaking as well as the inspirational decisions that can and need to be made in life. Pearl's emotions (her happiness and especially her heartbreak) and the way they are captured not only by Wohl but by McDonough make this film a true masterpiece. I would recomend this to anyone, and its sad to see it has such a low rating on the database.

"Best Man", however, was not such an incredible film, and only when it is shown in conjunction with "Best Boy" could it garner any merit. The first fifteen minutes in particular seem to present Wohl as incredibly egocentric given the topic and situation of the film, and I truly wish I had not seen them.

No matter how light an existence may be, it does not lose the attribute of being irreplaceable, since every human being has a context that justifies their situation in the world and their place as an integral part of society. The perpetual yes that sustains the protagonist of Best Boy is a reminder to be optimistic in life despite adversities, which are inherent to the human condition. Although the documentary lacks aesthetic qualities, it manages to portray the arduous journey that leads to the independence of a man who has never stopped being a child, and who also ennobles those around him, starting with his family.

I'm 51, and first saw this when I was 9. I can't remember if I've seen it more than once, but it is still so clear in my mind, I mean it made an IMPRESSION. Truly one of the most thought-provoking and heart-warming (but not in a treacly way) movies you will ever see.