Moviola > Films > Son of Rambow

Son of Rambow (12A) 96 mins

"Make Believe.  Not War."

A long English summer in the early '80s and two boys are about to form an unlikely friendship.  Will Proudfoot has been brought up in a strictly religious household, forbidden to watch TV or listen to music.  But after Lee Carter, the school trouble-maker, blows Will's mind with a pirate copy of Rambo: First Blood, Will's easily persuaded to act in Lee's home-made sequel.  Armed only with a camera - "borrowed" from Lee's brother - and their limitless imagination, the pair plot stunt after stunt, dodging teachers and family all the way, as they do whatever it takes to finish their masterpiece in time to enter it in the national Screen Test competition.  Directed by Garth Jennings (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy), Son of Rambow is a heartwarming nostalgic comedy about two boys with a big video camera and even bigger ambitions.

"Son of Rambow is the most delightful British comedy about school life since Bill Forsyth's Gregory's Girl.  The developing friendship is delicately handled and the moviemaking is funny and exhilarating.  This is a likeable, kindly, honest film with a nice feeling for the private worlds, hidden feelings and vulnerabilities of young boys."  Philip French

"A joyous spirit of mischief is ever-present and Jennings has an eye for brilliant visual gags too, like the spectacle of a small boy being catapulted in a homemade stunt. It's an impressive balancing act for the director who invokes the shock impact of First Blood whilst preserving Will's innocence - until the film's endgame, in which both boys are forced to grow up. Crucially, their rapport feels totally authentic, so beyond the belly laughs and sunny 80s nostalgia, this is a portrait of friendship which is truly tender and moving.  Tune in and let your inner child run amok."  BBCi

Last modified: 22-Dec-2008

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