SpecialsTarget Disturbing yet enthralling

ScoobyMint Disappointment for a huge fan!

KnotStronger This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

Humbersi The first must-see film of the year.

jean-vincent After reading the book, I was curious to see what Neil Jordan made of it. First: the book tells a gripping tragedy, a boy is going down under thanks to the adults around him. Mrs Nugent comes first, then the priest in the reformatory. The red line in the story is the word PIGS, first used by Nugent, against the boy and his family. That is the onset of his brutal behavior. From now on he will be a PIG. Still, he trusts his friend, the priests in the reformatory and will only see his trust badly abused, which aggravates his behavior and makes him furiously rebellious. The mothers suicide and the death of his father are achieving him as a deeply disturbed, psychotic boy. Neil Jordan has turned a tragedy into comedy, without any regards for the psychological drama. Sure the book, because of his psychological depth, might be very difficult to turn into a script. I see that most of the reviewers didn't read the book and could not compare. If I give a 6 out of ten, is to the benefit of the actors, nor to Neil Jordan's film. Jordan has disappointed me.

dilbertsuperman I would have thought this movie to be unique if I had not seen Reflective Skin earlier. THis is a walk inside an insane Irish kid's mind who started off mildly bent and then was tortured into insanity by his wretched surroundings. Reflective Skin, with acting that is not as sharp but a far superior script is the better movie on this topic.If you are sick and tired of all the beige Irish films that suburban sheeple with 1/8th Irish in them watch to feel more Irish watch this flick- it is the direct opposite of the tepid Irish comedy that has been shoved down our throats ever since "The Commitments" was a hit.This movie focuses on a red headed Irish lad and his exploits in a small Irish town as his small world slowly falls apart. I found the script to be daft but the acting brilliant.The boy get's the name "Butcher Boy" because he works at a butcher's on occasion- not because of any horror element.

sob317 Why, Francie Brady, of course. WOW...Watched this for the first time a few weeks ago after seeing it sitting on video stores shelves for years and years now and haven't stopped recommending it since. Great performances from not just the outstanding cast but everyone involved in this, from costume design to location scouts. Unfortunately for them, the show is absolutely stolen by Eamonn Owens as the larger than life Francie Brady. Not for everyone but for those with a taste for the different this film was made for you. A great mix of pitch black humor, heartfelt drama and the macabre this film stands beyond simple A, B or C classification. It is neither comedy, drama or horror but something created from a mix of the three. Can't believe I walked past this so many times without renting it. Think "Angelas Ashes" meets "Pink Floyd: The Wall" or and you've hit the tip of the iceberg on this excellent film. The thick Irish accents can be a bit tough to understand in a few places but most of it is easy enough to decipher. If you liked "The Wicker Man", "Clockwork Orange" and "King of the Hill" (the movie, not the Mike Judge TV show, although that is quite good in it's own right too but I digress....)I can guarantee this will be well worth your two hours. Again, not for everyone but for those who like their comedy or drama with a deep dark twist..it's the goods. Am buying the VHS version as that's all that is available and will wait patiently for a DVD release of this. On my Top 10 films of all time list.

TheVirginArmy i cannot categorise this film.there is comedy , drama ,deep dark horrors of the mind and childlike innocense and that is but half of it all. it is the life of a boy affected by his environment ,family home, trying to enjoy boyhood innocense while struggling with his mind's demons as i see it. eammon owens, stephen rea fit together magically in the boy's film debut as though they 'd been close all their lives.' many things may be misunderstood of this film such as boyhood scenes with his best friend ( the only person in the world the lead character seems to be able to anchor to emotionally) as they elaborate in acting, the innocense and mischievousness( no idea how thats spelt), that is expected of the dream childhood. as well as sinead oconnor being commented on as playing the part of Our Lady. for me , it is clear, she is but portraying a figment of the lead character's imagination , whose interest in her seemed to manifest in the pictures and statues of our lady, hence sinead's lack of facial movements and the odd things she says. many words and the irish accent may be lost at times on some americans but the flow of the film is uneffected by a few words lost here and there they have told me. The brilliance of this film , actually endears you to a bully of a boy who commits the ultimate reprehensible act, because it follows his life and history of mental illness that lurks beneath the sweet faced , clever charmer.i must have seen this film 30 times i kid you not.