Un printemps sous la neige

Lovely, lovely small-scale film with excellent performances by a talented cast. Liv Ullman, Kiefer Sutherland, Alan Scarfe and everyone else certainly did not make this for the money. Among other delights, it has one of the most authentic losing-of-virginity scenes in any film. And the voice-over of its conclusion imparts the entire story with the resonance of personal myth.

That this film is such an oddity, was so poorly distributed, and is so ignored right now is an indictment of the entire industry and the kind of films it makes -- and doesn't make. To know how to do this and still not do it -- shame on them.

This is a thoroughly well-made Canadian movie, with an unusually high number of memorable scenes, thanks to a well-written script and solid acting from all involved. And although a coming-of-age drama with many emotional scenes, there are well-placed lighthearted moments that help to keep the movie from getting too "heavy". All-in-all, it's a real success, and is yet another example of a lesser known movie that outshines most of the box office blockbusters.

Coming around to watch this, I was in no way disappointed, more pleasured and impressed. A much softer and gentler side you'll see to Sutherland and it's a wonderfully if beautiful performance, so you should make opportunity to see it. This is another sadly obscure, if undiscovered film, with great periodic sets, bar none, that you really soak up and immerse yourself in. You really feel and breath the atmosphere, some of it cold and grim. The Bay Boy has awesome performances, none more than Ullman, amazing as Sutherland's mum, but on the other side of the coin, I must give note to, is Scarfe, as the corrupt police seargeant, who guns down a priest and his wife, Sutherland, a fearful witness. There are some real and incredibly claustrophobic moments, where he is of such overbearing menace, the best work, I've seen from this guy. Sutherland happens to be friends with both of Scarfe's pretty daughters, providing a real impasse. The death of a lodger, living with Sutherland and family, played by John Flynn, I think, early in the piece, is quite memorable, and it stays with me. Sutherland also discovers, love, manhood and puberty, not in that order. Highly recommend you see this, not just for the film, but naturally talented and versatile acting discovery, Sutherland. Great soundtrack too.

My Grandfather, John Wilson Sr, had a few guest appearances in this movie, i discovered this when he sadly passed away in 2018, i miss you so much. im definitely going to watch this movie again

This film is superb in every way.... story, writing, direction, casting.... everything! But, alas, it was seen but once.... one time only on Showtime... and then desappeared forever from the tv scene. Something about it's Canadian genesis, some say, but if ever there was a movie that would be a real blockbuster, The Bay Boy is that film. Incredibly, I happened to see the film in it's one and only showing on cable television, back in 1984 or 85. Now, it is available only on VHS but I wait in hope that it will surface again on DVD.

I repeat, this movie is a really great film....... four stars or better!!!