"Alla Alskar Alice" (Everybody Loves Alice)

"Alla Alskar Alice" (Everybody Loves Alice) is a poignant film that delves into the touchy subject of divorce stemming from marital infidelity and its effects on the children involved. Natalie Bjork plays the protaganist Alice in the film, pulling off the role of the hopeful, yet distraught preteen brilliantly.

Alice lives with her parents and younger brother Pontus (Bisse Unger) in a small town in Sweden. Alice is an avid soccer player whose most enjoyable past time is practicing the game with her father. He is, however, spending more and more time at work, which takes away from his time with his daughter. Alice, although often disappointed at her father's lack of time spent with her, is nonetheless ever hopeful that she will eventually become more important than work to her father.

As the film progresses the viewer eventually begins to discover that it isn't work that is distracting him from his duties at home, but rather a co-worker. To complicate the matter even more is the fact that the woman is the mother of one of Alice's classmates, Patrik (Anastasios Soulis), who lives just down the street.

Although Alice's mother is hurt and angry, she still appears to want to try to hold the family together and work things out, but Alice's father has made up his mind. He will be moving in with the woman and her son, and Alice and Pontus will visit him every other weekend.

As strong as Alice seems to be, the fact of her parents' separation and impending divorce is more than she can handle, and even after the whole town seemingly knows, she continues to deny the fact saying that her father is away on business. This causes more conflict when her best friend decides the truth needs to be told and begins to tell everybody. Alice has one teacher who can empathize with her and lends her a shoulder to lean and cry on.

There is a minor subplot involving Alice and a boy, Anton (Marcus Ardai-Blomberg), whom she has a crush on. "Everybody Loves Alice" is a superb film that deals with a tricky subject in a way that doesn't make it seem sappy or redundant.

Viewer discretion: there is one brief nude scene when Alice and her friends spy on the boys in the shower.

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"Broken Noses" A Boy Boxer Documentary

"Broken Noses" is a documentary about a boxer, Andy Minsker, who was never able to make it big, but who never lost his love for boxing. Andy was the son of a boxer who also never made it to the top, but through his skills and dedication, instilled a passion for boxing in his son. In order to pursue his desire of boxing, Andy takes young boys under his wings and teaches them the intricacies of pugilism.

Throughout the documentary the viewer is led inside the private life of Andy from his childhood to the present. Interviews with both sets of parents (his parents are divorced and both have remarried), gives some insight into how Andy was raised, how he developed his personal philosophies, and how he came to be a boxer.

Throughout the film Andy seems to pour out his passion for boxing, and even though he didn't make it to a full professional level, there is no doubt that this young man had and even now has a passion that won't die. This can be seen in his interaction with the young boxers he is mentoring.

Several of the boys give personal interviews describing how they have benefited from training under Andy Minsker. He never lets them get too cocky, chiding them when they have won a fight but are rubbing it in to the loser of the fight.

In one poignant scene we see Andy lying on the ground with a group of boys huddled around him. Even as they joke and play, you can see that they have a great love and respect for their teacher. His love of teaching the boys is just as strong as his love for boxing.

Although the film may drag in some areas, the overall effect is overwhelmingly beautiful in its portrayal of a boxer who is in love with his sport and who has a knack for passing that passion onto the next generation. One may get the sense from watching this documentary that Andy is more in love with himself than boxing or mentoring, but that impression isn't a fair assessment of this film. This is a great boxing film that sheds a light on the inner workings of a boxer. A must see for any fan of boxing.

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"Un Bon Petit Diable" Starring Paul Courtios

"Un Bon Petit Diable" (A Good Little Devil) stars Paul Courtois as the effervescent Charles, a boy growing up in the mid 1800s in France. His life is anything but pleasant. Hunger, beatings, ridicule, and endless work are the norm. Charles, like most children, is able to weather the storm of life, and is always able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

His parents have died and he has gone to live with his elderly cousin. The old matron seems to have a hatred not only for children, but for Charles in particular. Every little infraction is met with either a beating or a stay in the cellar. On one particular night, after he has angered the old woman, she grabs him by the collar and drags him outside where she makes him spend the night in the pigsty. Charles' one ray of hope at home is the similarly abused maid, Betty.

The two hatch a plan to get the vulnerable Charles out of the clutches of his evil aunt. Fortunately, for the two, the elder cousin is extremely superstitious, which makes their plans easier to fulfill. Since Charles seems to always get spanked on his bare bum, Betty decides that would be the best place to put the devil's marks on him. So using a concoction of walnut oil, spider webs, and duck droppings she makes an oily black substance with which she places two black hand prints on his bottom. When his cousin goes to spank him again, the black hand prints are a sure sign that the devil has afflicted her younger cousin, and thus he must go.

She sens him, along with Betty, off to a boarding school where he will learn to behave and be out of her hair. It turns out that the school isn't much more than a prison, and even here Charles is subjected to repeated spankings. Charles has his trusted Betty with him, and they have proven again and again that they can get through anything.

Although this is a light-hearted comedy that tackles a touchy subject, it in no way makes light of child abuse. It does, rather, focus on a child's resilience and ingenuity in times of strife. There are a couple of subplots that seem to be nothing more than filler, but otherwise this is a great coming-of-age film that is a fun one to watch.

More info about this film here.

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"Where Eskimos Live" Starring Sergiusz Zymelka

“Where Eskimos Live” is a story about the dark side of war. Not that which involves the fighting between nations and soldiers, but rather the darker side that effects the innocent civilians, both young and old, who have no control over their newfound circumstances.

Vlado Petric (magnificently played by the 11 year old Sergiusz Zymelka) is a war orphan who, along with a vagabond group of orphans, has learned to survive on the streets of his war torn country. Life is hard, and each day they are still alive is considered another gift.

Vlado eventually meets Sharkey (Bob Hoskins), a UNICEF worker, who is actively smuggling orphans from Bosnia into Poland with promises of a better life. Sharkey reluctantly agrees to take Vlado with him after the boy’s persistence wears him down.

In addition to the natural hardships endured while trekking across the countryside of a foreign country, the pair are soon plagued by the continual presence of Colonel Vuko (Krzysztof Maichrzak) who is convinced that Sharkey is responsible for the death of his daughter. Unbeknownst to both men is that the roadside bomb, which killed the Colonel’s daughter, was set by the gang that Vlado was a part of in their attempt to steal food and supplies needed for their survival.

It is soon learned that Sharkey isn’t really a UNICEF employee, and his real intentions for smuggling children across the boarder are less than admirable. It is a long trip though, and the more time he spends with the precocious and loveable Vlado, the softer his heart gets.

The burning question though becomes what will the end of the line present the naïve and innocent Vlado: will he find a life of love, joy, and peace, or will it be the worst nightmare of his young life?

Viewer discretion: this film contains violence and strong language.

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"Robby" - Warren Raum and Ryp Siani

"Robby" is a low-budget Robinson Crusoe like film from 1968. It stars two relatively unknown actors: Warren Raum and Ryp Siani. Raum plays the 10 year old "Robby", a boy who has been stranded on an island. As he roams the island in search of food and shelter, and hopefully his parents, he comes across a naked native boy whom he names "Friday".

More info here.

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"Can You Whistle, Johanna?" Starring Tobias Sward and Jimmy Sandin

"Kan du Vissla, Johanna?" (Can You Whistle, Johanna? or Wanted: Grandfather) is a classic tell of innocence, childhood, and friendship. It involves two boys, Berra (Tobias Sward) and Ulf (Jimmy Sandin), two friends who have a problem they must remedy: Berra doesn't have a grandfather.

Read more about "Can You Wistle, Johanna?" here.

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Don't Tell Papa

Don't Tell Papa is a somewhat endearing film about an 8 year old boy, Cho-woo (played superbly by Seung-ho Yu), who lives with his single father. His dad works for meager wages at a nightclub as an MC. His boss keeps him employed because he is cheap.

Read movie review here.

BlueCowboyFilms.com - The Nanny

BlueCowboyFilms.com - The Nanny: Many films today seem to have a plot that is not only predictable, but also tends to leave the viewer on the outside. Many of these movies are nowhere near enjoyable because you are never allowed to truly experience the feelings and interactions of the characters. Unlike the characters on the screen, you know exactly what is going to happen, where it is going to happen, and when it is going to happen. That sense of dread, fear, or uncertainty you see on the actors' faces never makes its way into your on psyche, thus leaving you with not only a sense of helplessness, but also boredom. Not so with the 1965 classic 'The Nanny' starring Bette Davis and William Dix.

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BlueCowboyFilms.com - Lord of the Flies 1963

Lord of the Flies 1963 I was first introduced to this story as a college student. While casually chatting with a classmate in the library, we began discussing the different books that we had read. 'Lord of the Flies' had been a required reading project for him as a high school student. His description of the book intrigued me. I checked out the first available copy, and hid myself in a recliner, underneath a blanket for the next three days. It is a story that has fascinated my to this day.

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BlueCowboyFilms.com - De Daltons TV

BlueCowboyFilms.com - De Daltons TV: "'De Daltons' is an interesting fare that hails from Holland. Chronicles the life of a family with four boys, ranging in age from the infant Daantje to 10 year old Erik. Most of the focus of the show is seen through the eyes of 6 year old Tim. 8 year old Jelle rounds out the bunch."

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"Mov og Funder" Starring Kasper Andersen

Kasper Andersen stars in this touching film about a boy who takes a wounded fugitive under his wing and tries to nurse him back to health. Although Martin (Mov for short) isn't completely successful in his endeavours, he does nonetheless learn a little bit about trust, love, friendship, and growing up in the process.

At the beginning of the film Martin is...read more here.

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"Chop Shop" Starring Alejandro Polanco

"Chop Shop" from the beginning is obviously a low-budget film, but is nonetheless a movie that will captivate you. It entails a brother and sister who are trying to eke out a living on the streets of Queens, NY. Ale (Alejandro Polanco) does odd jobs at a body shop, and engages in petty thievery on the side. His sister works in a food vending truck, but due to problems with her boss, Ale has promised to find her a new job.

When the movie opens, Ale is excited because he has found them a place to live...read more here.

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"Cheesecake" Starring Pavel Melenchuk

In "Cheesecake" we meet a boy (Pavel Melenchuk) who has decided that he needs a new family. His "family" in the cheesecake commercial he is starring in will do just fine. Only problem is there are a couple of people who might just get in the way. Sordid tale from Russia about a boy who will do anything to get the family he wants.

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"The Wooden Gun" Starring Arik Rosen

"The Wooden Gun" takes place in Tel Aviv, Israel in the early 1950s. The war and the holocaust are still fresh in the minds of the Jewish people. Searching for loved ones takes up a lot of people's time. Friends and family who were carried off to concentration camps are high on the minds of those who have survived. The whole Jewish nation has been uprooted and been transplanted all over the world.

Read more about "The Wooden Gun" here.

"Soft Like Me" is a strange if not intriguing film from Canada. While the setting, clothing styles, etc. suggest a 1930s time frame, you are left with the impression that this film could also be about a dismal futuristic time. While the movie seems simple enough, one will realize that after watching it that there are many questions that are left unanswered.

More info about this film here.

"Adeus, Pai" starring Jose Afonso Pimentel

Jose Afonso Pimentel stars in "Adeus, Pai" a beautiful coming-of-age film from Portugal. Filipe (Pimentel) has never spent any time with his father. He has never gone fishing. He has never played catch. He has never been on vacation. His father has never entered his bedroom, even when he was sick. Then one day in the middle of his thirteenth year, Filipe's father enters his room and tells him that they are going on vacation.

While on vacation, Filipe meets a girl that he falls in love with. That, along with the girl's 14 year old brother teaching him about sex, leads Filipe to begin questioning his father about all the things he doesn't understand about sex, including asking about his parents' own lovemaking; much to his father's consternation.

A superbly done film. Viewer discretion is advised: brief nudity and language.

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"Home" (Maison) Starring Kacey Mottet Klein

"Home" is a wonderful French film starring the award winning young actor Kacey Mottet Klein. A French family decides to stay in their home despite the presence of a new highway just meters from their front door. The psychological toll it plays on the family is nearly devastating to the family. Viewer discretion: moderate nudity and language. Kacey Mottet Klein won an award for best emerging actor for his portrayal of the youngest member of the family.

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"Ciske the Rat" Starring Danny de Munk

Danny de Munk stars in "Ciske the Rat", a Dutch film about a boy who can't seem to stay out of trouble. His mother is an alcoholic, and his father is never around. He has one teacher who has hope for him, but will he be able to help the boy before it is too late? Danny de Munk is a famous singer and actor in Holland. Viewer discretion: nudity and violence.

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"Silver Spoons" Season 1 starring Ricky Schroder

Remember that great TV show from the early 80s, the one with the rich boy who had an arcade in his living room? Wouldn't you love to see it again? Well, now you can. Get the full first season of Silver Spoons on DVD and watch it anytime you want.

Get this and other great TV shows at BlueCowboyFilms.com.

See here for screen caps from several of our movies and TV shows.

Mov og Funder (The Hideaway)

"Mov og Funder" concerns a 12 year old boy who has hidden a fugitive from the law in his mother's basement. He develops a bond with the man, and it gives him a feeling of being needed; a feeling of accomplishment the boy needs. How long will he be able to keep the injured man hidden? A wonderful coming-of-age film from Denmark starring the wonderful boy actor Kasper Andersen.

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Of Freaks and Men

"Of Freaks and Men" is a Russian contribution that deals with a strange story of an early 1900s pornographer (his works are collections of women being subjected to flagellation). Pictures are taken and then sold to collector's. With the purchase ofa cinematograph, Johan begins filming the participants. He later begins photographing the Siamese twin sons of another customer who pays a visit to him, shooting him dead. The twins (Aleksei de and Chingiz Tsydendabayev) are piano prodigies who have been playing the piano accompaniment for the spanking films. One twin falls for one of the participants and becomes her lover in an effort to protect her, but his brother takes up drinking which will soon be the downfall of both of them. If you like the bizarre, this is the film for you. Viewer discretion: moderate nudity and spanking violence.

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De Witte van Sichem (Whitey) starring Eric Clerckx

Eric Clerckx stars in this gem from Belgium. Set in 1901 Sichem, Belgium, this film follows a boy of about thirteen as he deals with family, friends and teachers. In a world full of unsympathetic and misunderstanding adults, our young hero tries to beat the odds, but what sort of chance does a mere kid have? An exceptional film which includes a great soundtrack as well as an often unique use of sound. Available at BlueCowboyFilms.com.

Shadrach starring Scott Terra and Daniel Treat

"Shadrach is a great boyhood film about an elderly black man who returns to his home so that he might be buried next to his kin. Nearing senility and physically weak, he seeks the assistance of the family which once owned him as a slave. Trouble starts when the local sheriff butts in and demands a "proper" burial. Seen through the eyes of a ten year old boy (Scott Terra); narrated by Martin Sheen. View screen caps here.

Zmory

"Zmory" (Nightmares) is set in the time before World War I in Poland during the Austrian occupation. It is the story of a young boy in primary school who later grows up to become a rebellious, poetic-minded teen in the same school when the national movement toward liberation is under way. He frequently experiences nightmares, is bullied, and amongst other things experiences his first sexual awakening. The story of a country where church and state work together to suppress the human spirit. Stars the 14 year old Tomasz Hudziec who has one nude scene in the movie. Viewer discretion is advised.

"Empire of the Sun" starring Christian Bale

A superb film based on the writings of James Ballard about his experiences as a POW in a Japanese concentration camp during WWII in China. Superbly directed by Steven Spielberg. Viewed through the eyes of a 12 year old boy who seems to make a game of the situation in order to make it through his ordeal. Christian Bale in one of his best roles as a child actor.

Nic Smiesznego (Nothing Funny)

"Nic Smiesznego" is a Polish film about a man who has trouble romantically with women. Could this stem from his mother's domineering during his childhood? Told in flashbacks. Viewer discretion: brief nudity.

Available at: BlueCowboyFilms.com

800 Bullets (800 Balas)

"800 Bullets" stars Luis Castro as Carlos, an 11 year old boy who runs away from home to find his grandfather, whom he has only recently discovered is still alive. He finds him working in a rundown theme park that used to be the set used for many of the spaghetti westerns of the 60s and 70s. The park is about to be closed. The actors performing there are only the shadow of what they used to be.

Carlos' mom, who thought he had gone to a ski camp, is enraged when she learns he has gone to visit his grandfather, whom she blames for the death of her husband.

The movie didn't enjoy much success in America, but was popular in Europe. Anyone who grew up watching Clint Eastwood's westerns should enjoy this little fare from Spain.

Available at BlueCowboyFilms.com

Two New Portuguese Films Added to the Site

See our new Portuguese Language Films page. We have 2 great movies with more on the way. "O Menino da Porteira" is about a boy who wants to grow up to be a cowboy. "Adeus, Pai" is about a 13 year old boy who is getting to spend quality time with his father for the first time in his life. View screen caps here.

"7th Heaven" on DVD

See the wonderful David Gallagher in season one of the hit series "7th Heaven". A great show and a superb actor.

"Robby" Starring Warren Raum and Ryp Siani

"Robby" is a modern day re-telling of Robinson Crusoe, only this time the castaway is 10 years old. Robby (Warren Raum) is befriended by the island's only inhabitant, a boy whom he names Friday (Ryp Siani). Robby is appalled by Friday's lack of modesty, but before the film is over, he too is frolicking naked around the island. Robby teaches Friday how to speak English, and Friday in turn teaches his new friend to hunt and swim. Will our two young heroes be rescued before the conclusion of the film? Only time will tell.

Available at: BlueCowboyFilms.com