French with English subtitles.
This coming of age tale – “A joyous heartwarmer with an endearing Mark Twain meets Ken Loach vibe” (Screen International) – has more than a touch of the Huckleberry Finn big adventure about it. Adolescent brothers 15 year old Seth and 13 year old Zak, left alone by their mother for the long summer holidays, generally mess around to fill the time and meet local teenager Danny who shares their sense of mischief. As they struggle to survive on their own they explore the surrounding lush countryside, rivers and fields, all beautifully shot. The boys get into numerous scrapes but perhaps what is most refreshing about the depiction of the trio of lovable scamps is how affectionate and good-natured they are rather than the familiar screen portrayal of angry teen hoodies. But neither is THE GIANTS a sentimental romp; though it may at times resemble an alternative Swallows and Amazons it is one with fart jokes, swearing and dabbling in drink and drugs. The performances of the three boys are excellent throughout.
Both poignant and funny, THE GIANTS deftly balances the trio’s adventures with serious issues such as abandonment just as the kindness of strangers is set against the threatening intrusion of adults.
