Watch Best Boy

Best Boy is a documentary film that revolves around the life of a 52-year-old mentally challenged man named Philly Wohl, who is also referred to as "Best Boy." The movie portrays his life story, his family, and the society around him. The movie begins by introducing the audience to Philly's family and their daily routine. Philly's parents, Pearl and Max Wohl, are in their seventies and have devoted their life to taking care of Philly. The family lives in Brooklyn, and the movie shows their lives in detail. Pearl, Philly's mother, is a strong-willed woman who is determined to help her son live a normal life, despite his challenges. Max, Philly's father, is a gentler man who loves his family deeply.

The movie then shows Philly's life in a day program for mentally challenged adults where he attends classes and interacts with other students. Here, the movie shows the struggles Philly has in day-to-day life, such as following directions and completing simple tasks. The teachers in the day program help Philly as much as they can, but it becomes apparent that Philly's mental condition is severe.

Overall, the movie shows Philly's complicated relationship with his family and the outside world. Pearl and Max push Philly to be more independent, but Philly struggles to overcome his own limitations. The filmmakers also depict the societal norms that often reject people like Philly. The movie also brings up the question of the ethics of taking care of mentally challenged adults as they grow older.

Throughout the film, Philly's unique personality and charm are on display. Despite his difficulties, Philly tries his best to live a good life. The movie shows how, with the love and support of his family, Philly has found a place in the world.

Best Boy is a touching and emotionally powerful documentary that highlights the complexities of living with a mental disability, both for the person affected and their families. The movie touches on difficult themes such as dependency, aging, and the love that holds families together. The movie captures Philly's vulnerability and immense courage, and it is a heartwarming story of the unique strength of human bonds. The film is an authentic portrayal of Philly and his life, and it serves as a reminder of the humanity that is often denied to people who are perceived to be different from societal norms.

In conclusion, Best Boy is a heartwarming and honest documentary that offers a close-up view of the life of a man with a developmental disability. It is an emotionally powerful movie that explores themes like family, independence, and the relationship between people with disabilities and the society around them. The movie shines a light on an often-neglected community and shows that people with developmental disabilities can still find joy, love, and purpose in their lives. Best Boy is a must-see for anyone interested in documentaries that explore human emotions and struggles.

Best Boy is a 1979 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.