The Boy in the Woods

Jett Klyne plays "Max" a 12 year old boy who manages to escape a Nazi loading operation that takes his mother (Katherine Fogler (Faigie) and little sister off to be executed and mass buried in their hometown in Poland. He doesn't realize that until much later. He manages to find his way to a farm for awhile then out to the forest where he manages to survive off mushrooms, fish, berries and the occasional rabbit all the while doing his best to avoid Nazi colluders who are all searching for hidden Jews to get the reward. (Goes to show the depravity of mankind during this historic period) Nothing questionable, no violence but it is implied, no nudity. Lots of murder and dead bodies lying about rotting. It amazes me that this kind of thing is still going on now. Hopefully soon this will all stop for good. A fine watch and historical as well, the last bit has a piece with Max today visiting those who survived with him. Enjoy!

It's 1943. Max (Jett Klyne) is a Jewish boy from Buchach in modern day Ukraine. He escapes from a prison camp leaving behind his mother and sister. His aunt buys him sanctuary with a family, but eventually he is forced to hide in the woods.

This is a true story. I wouldn't ask the filmmaker to fictionalize anything that she doesn't want to. It does lose intensity over time as he spends time in the woods. The story feels like it's meandering from one event to the next. The early escape remains the most compelling scene in the movie. This is certainly an important story to tell. I'm not convinced that it's a good telling.

Where do I start? There are so many criticisms of this movie that I'm only going to mention the most obvious. The most glaring is the 'shaky camera syndrome' which will induce an epileptic reaction in the more sensitive viewers, but appears to be popular among the less gifted directors these days. Second on the list is the horrendous acting. Hard to take anything they say or do seriously. Next is the wardrobe. It appears they went to the local second hand bin to retrieve the costumes. Perhaps it was due to the budget; which apparently was bare minimal. Lastly; these type of films seem to be churned out ad nauseam these days, and frankly, are getting so predictable and tiresome.

The story is very well written and wonderfully acted. Knowing that it is true makes it that much more heartbreaking and touching. I'm shocked at reviews who complain that « these stories are overdone ».

It is the true story of a young jewish boy who was able to avoid capture by the nazis by surviving in the woods for nearly a year. He was initially helped by a farmer and later on befriended another boy in the woods when staying at the farm became too risky. The pair rely on each other during hardship but make the most of it by maintaining their playfulness and youth.

Set in what was then known as Poland (now a part of Ukraine) in 1944.

The story itself is one of tremendous hardship, bravery, and survival. For what appears to be a limited budget film the director is still able to deliver. There is no doubt that the acting leaves quite a bit to be desired. The costume design is not up to what you would expect and the camera shots are not good but acceptable.

Again, despite all its flaws the film stays on course and delivers its message. The ending scene where it shows the real life character for me adds so much to it all. Being able to see the human connection in real life added so much strength to the importance of the story and why it was essential that it was told. The saying "save one life, save the world" is played out in real time as you get to see the generations saved by one little boys brave decision and the sacrifice of others made to protect this life in a time of great danger.