Synopsis
A troubled and angry 11-year-old orphan from a small Texas town, ends up at a Boy Choir school after the death of his single mother. Completely out of his element, he finds himself in a battle of wills with a demanding Choir Master who recognises a unique talent in this young boy as he pushes him to discover his creative heart and soul in music.
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Cast
- Dustin HoffmanMaster Carvelle
- Kevin McHaleWooly
- Josh LucasGerard
- Debra WingerMs. Steel
- Kathy BatesHeadmistress
- Garrett WareingStet
- Joe WestDevon
- River AlexanderRafael 'Raffi' Abrams
- Sam PoonFrederick
- Dante SorianoFernando
Recommendations
- 75
New York Post
Could easily have become a schmaltzy variation on “Whiplash.” But it’s not, thanks to astringent direction by François Girard (“The Red Violin’’), an excellent cast and heavenly young voices. - 70
Variety
Boychoir may be soft, but it’s not run-of-the-mill TV-movie treacle, offering just enough edge to lend credibility. - 60
The Telegraph
Hoffman's performance has a sadness, an unexplained loneliness, which gives this slightly diffident piece a centre of sorts, and there's a pleasing air of melancholy all round. - 60
The New York Times
There’s nothing wrong with being uplifting, but something less predictable would have been refreshing. - 50
The Hollywood Reporter
It's a wonderful idea with good crowd-pleasing potential and, had the story-telling been more credible, this could have been a major coup for all concerned. - 50
The Playlist
Thanks to a few exemplary moments of monumental acting from Hoffman, truly harmonious singing from the boys, and a graceful score by Brian Byrne, Boychoir is, at its best, a comfortable viewing and listening pleasure. - 50
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
Hoffman’s role is an important one, but not a big one. He’s not called upon to bring a lot to the table, and, as a pro, doesn’t muscle up his part. - 50
Village Voice
Hoffman, naturally, makes his character interesting in the way that genius actors always do. Yet the film's storytelling struggles to match his level of skill.
