Set in 1984 in Waihau Bay, on the rural East Coast of New Zealand, Boy is a trip down memory lane for many, and a glimpse into a different time and culture for others.

Boy, an 11 year old Maori boy, lives with his younger brother, Rocky, and their cousins and grandmother. When she is called away to attend a Tangi in Wellington, Boy is left in charge. During her absence, Boy's father, Alamein, arrives with his Crazy Horse gang, his two mates, in order to search for a stash of money hidden before his time in prison.

Writer/directory Taika Waititi is brilliant as Alamein (pictured left), the mildly-stereotypical absent Maori father, but the star of the film is James Rolleston in his portrayal of Boy, whose fantasy of his father's achievements is brought back to earth by the realities of his reappearance. Te Aho Eketone-Whitu also shines in his portrayal of Boy's younger brother Rocky, a quiet child who believes he has special powers.

Despite aspects of the story being almost painfully realistic for the film's period, the frequent comedy is enough to lift it back up to the realms of popular entertainment. Overall, the film offers a beautiful glimpse into a simpler time and place, interspersed with moments of painful truth and wonderful comedy.