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.