This movie is really exceptional. Its story is partly surrealistic, partly a modern fairy tale for kids, partly a dream come true for most adults and partly a sophisticated parable. Frank Cottrell Boyce has written the literary artwork, Danny Boyle is the director.
After the death of their mother Damien and Anthony Cunningham move house. Their father (James Nebitt) is a construction engineer. The setting is apparently the Manchester region (as the movie is mostly shot there, and the kids at school dote for United players) and E-Day is approaching in England, which stands for the fictitious scenario that Sterling will soon be replaced by the Euro as the official currency. Damien is about six years old and a very imaginative little boy who is completely taken in by saints. When out of the blue a sports bag filled with millions of pounds finds its way to Damien, he takes it for a gift of God. Anthony is the only one he shares his discovery with. Yet despite their initial delight and the apparent advantages of being wealthy, Damien and Anthony soon have to realize that it is simply not feasible to dodge the ensuing problems. And then there is this stranger who stalks them and claims the money back.
The entire scenario the movie elaborates on is unrealistic and indeed over the top. However, its natural charm, the naivety of how Damien wants to do good and by addressing serious moral issues of society, Danny Boyle has created a movie that will enchant younger audiences in the same way as it will inspire adults. He deliberately introduces two very different brothers, who somehow personify two different attitudes and ideologies. He presents all of this as an entertaining and magical tale that is exciting and instructive at the same time.
It is mainly Damien's story. Alexander Nathan Etel, born in Manchester, is the perfect choice to play this character. It surely was a long-winded process to find the right kid for this part. Alex is very appealing and possesses these kinds of natural skills that make you identify with his character instantly. Damien feels morally obliged to share his fortune with the poor, in a persistent way that is remarkable for a kid his age. His obsession with saints and his imagination let reality merge with fiction. Thus he encounters saints and martyrs and talks to them as if they were real people. This provides the movie with a substantial religious background. However, the religious implications do not make the message less important nor do they deter certain audiences. It makes it even more compelling and adds a surrealistic edge that basically complies with the entire arrangement of the movie.
Lewis Owen McGibbon, who plays Anthony, is also a very convincing young actor who manages to set his own stamp on the story. James Nesbitt has a talent to connect with the audience straightaway. However, his character lacks some real emotional depth and seems a bit shallow, as does his relationship with Dorothy (Daisy Donovan). But hey, it is the story of the two boys, centering around Damien's quest to do good and to unselfishly help the poor.
And here lies the main strength of Millions, whether you are Christian or not. The clear message running through and the charm of Damien's character make this movie shine and make you condone minor flaws (such as when Anthony, who seems to be an investment expert, says that 40 percent are almost all of it, or when the robber appears in Damien's room). The plot itself has minor gaps too, and together with the immature handling of James Nesbitt's and Daisy Donovan's characters, this prevents me from giving Millions a 10.
The score is wonderful perfectly matching the scenes and the visuals. This needs to be highly acclaimed. The camera work is awesome, especially the use of light and close-ups. The two scenes when the clouds pass by the sky in a fast forward movement, and in particular the scenes at the end which are shot at night demonstrate the elevated level of visual editing.
Millions is a tale that will make it right into your heart and leave you spellbound. It is an inspiring and spiritual quest of one boy who struggles to do the right thing. Naïve and delightful, with a surrealistic ending and enchanting scenes, it can surely be classed as one of the years most compelling accomplishments and an outstanding example of British cinema. The impact of its decent message and the genuine themes it addresses make Millions exceptional by all means. Enjoy!
After the death of their mother Damien and Anthony Cunningham move house. Their father (James Nebitt) is a construction engineer. The setting is apparently the Manchester region (as the movie is mostly shot there, and the kids at school dote for United players) and E-Day is approaching in England, which stands for the fictitious scenario that Sterling will soon be replaced by the Euro as the official currency. Damien is about six years old and a very imaginative little boy who is completely taken in by saints. When out of the blue a sports bag filled with millions of pounds finds its way to Damien, he takes it for a gift of God. Anthony is the only one he shares his discovery with. Yet despite their initial delight and the apparent advantages of being wealthy, Damien and Anthony soon have to realize that it is simply not feasible to dodge the ensuing problems. And then there is this stranger who stalks them and claims the money back.
The entire scenario the movie elaborates on is unrealistic and indeed over the top. However, its natural charm, the naivety of how Damien wants to do good and by addressing serious moral issues of society, Danny Boyle has created a movie that will enchant younger audiences in the same way as it will inspire adults. He deliberately introduces two very different brothers, who somehow personify two different attitudes and ideologies. He presents all of this as an entertaining and magical tale that is exciting and instructive at the same time.
It is mainly Damien's story. Alexander Nathan Etel, born in Manchester, is the perfect choice to play this character. It surely was a long-winded process to find the right kid for this part. Alex is very appealing and possesses these kinds of natural skills that make you identify with his character instantly. Damien feels morally obliged to share his fortune with the poor, in a persistent way that is remarkable for a kid his age. His obsession with saints and his imagination let reality merge with fiction. Thus he encounters saints and martyrs and talks to them as if they were real people. This provides the movie with a substantial religious background. However, the religious implications do not make the message less important nor do they deter certain audiences. It makes it even more compelling and adds a surrealistic edge that basically complies with the entire arrangement of the movie.
Lewis Owen McGibbon, who plays Anthony, is also a very convincing young actor who manages to set his own stamp on the story. James Nesbitt has a talent to connect with the audience straightaway. However, his character lacks some real emotional depth and seems a bit shallow, as does his relationship with Dorothy (Daisy Donovan). But hey, it is the story of the two boys, centering around Damien's quest to do good and to unselfishly help the poor.
And here lies the main strength of Millions, whether you are Christian or not. The clear message running through and the charm of Damien's character make this movie shine and make you condone minor flaws (such as when Anthony, who seems to be an investment expert, says that 40 percent are almost all of it, or when the robber appears in Damien's room). The plot itself has minor gaps too, and together with the immature handling of James Nesbitt's and Daisy Donovan's characters, this prevents me from giving Millions a 10.
The score is wonderful perfectly matching the scenes and the visuals. This needs to be highly acclaimed. The camera work is awesome, especially the use of light and close-ups. The two scenes when the clouds pass by the sky in a fast forward movement, and in particular the scenes at the end which are shot at night demonstrate the elevated level of visual editing.
Millions is a tale that will make it right into your heart and leave you spellbound. It is an inspiring and spiritual quest of one boy who struggles to do the right thing. Naïve and delightful, with a surrealistic ending and enchanting scenes, it can surely be classed as one of the years most compelling accomplishments and an outstanding example of British cinema. The impact of its decent message and the genuine themes it addresses make Millions exceptional by all means. Enjoy!