Watch Boogaloo and Graham

Boogaloo and Graham is a charming and heartfelt coming-of-age story set in Belfast during the Troubles in the 1970s. The film follows two young brothers, Jamesy (Riley Hamilton) and Malachy (Aaron Lynch), who are given two baby chickens by their father (Martin McCann) as a way to teach them about responsibility and caring for other living creatures. The boys quickly become inseparable from the chickens, whom they name Boogaloo and Graham, and they soon realize that the chickens provide much-needed companionship in their turbulent lives.

As the Troubles escalate outside their home, with explosions and gunfire becoming a regular occurrence, Jamesy and Malachy retreat further into their own world, spending hours with their beloved chickens. Their father, struggling with his own issues of unemployment and frustration, is initially resistant to the idea of keeping chickens in their small backyard, but he soon comes to realize the positive impact they have on his sons.

The film is beautifully shot, capturing the gritty, industrial landscape of Belfast in the 1970s, but also the warmth and intimacy of family life. The performances are exceptional, with Martin McCann imbuing his character with a quiet dignity and Charlene McKenna providing a touch of humor and vulnerability as the boys' mother.

What makes Boogaloo and Graham so special, however, is its ability to find joy and hope in the midst of difficult circumstances. Despite the violence and uncertainty that surrounds them, Jamesy and Malachy are able to find happiness in their simple, innocent relationship with their chickens. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there can be moments of beauty and connection that give us strength and purpose.

As the film moves towards its conclusion, it becomes apparent that the story is more than just a sweet and nostalgic look back at childhood. There are deeper themes at play here about the importance of compassion, empathy, and the beauty of the natural world. The film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the Troubles, but it also doesn't let them define the story. Instead, it presents a poignant and inspiring portrait of family, friendship, and the power of love in difficult times.

Boogaloo and Graham is a small gem of a film, one that deserves to be seen by a wider audience. It's a touching and uplifting reminder that even in times of great hardship, we can find joy, hope, and love in unexpected places.

Boogaloo and Graham is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.