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Boyhood, a 2014 American coming-of-age drama film, directed by Richard Linklater, follows the life of one boy, Mason Evans Jr. (played by Ellar Coltrane), from his early childhood until he enters college. The movie, shot over a period of twelve years, shows the growth and development of Mason and his family, played by Patricia Arquette, who portrays his mother Olivia, and Ethan Hawke, who portrays his father Mason Sr.

The movie begins with Mason Jr. as a six-year-old boy, living in a small Texas town with his mother and sister, Samantha (played by Lorelei Linklater, the director's daughter). Olivia is a single mom, struggling to balance her job, school, and raising two kids, and Mason Sr. is an absent father, who visits his children every once in a while. As the movie progresses, we see how life changes for Mason and his family, as they move to different towns, change jobs, and start new relationships.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the movie is the way it portrays the passage of time, as we see the characters age and evolve over the years, with the help of clever makeup, hairstyles, and wardrobe changes. The movie captures the essence of different periods of time, showing how things evolve from the early 2000s to 2014, with references to pop culture, technology, and politics.

Throughout the movie, we see Mason Jr. growing up, experiencing different phases of childhood, teenage years, and early adulthood. He develops an interest in photography, deals with bullies, and navigates his first relationships. Mason Jr. is a curious and introspective child, and later teenager, trying to make sense of the world around him and his place in it.

As for Olivia, she starts dating and remarries, but the relationships end in heartbreak and financial difficulties. She struggles to provide for her children, eventually going back to school to become a professor. Patricia Arquette's portrayal of Olivia is one of the highlights of the movie, as she delivers a nuanced and emotional performance, capturing the struggles and joys of being a single mom.

Ethan Hawke's character, Mason Sr., also plays an important role in the movie, as he tries to reconnect with his children and make amends for his past mistakes. He becomes closer with his son as they share similar interests and go on road trips together. Ethan Hawke brings depth and charm to his role, and his relationship with Mason Jr. adds an additional layer to the movie.

Overall, Boyhood is a unique and powerful movie, capturing the everyday moments of life and the way they shape us over time. The movie is both universal and specific, as it portrays the struggles and joys of growing up in America, while also capturing the unique experiences of one family. The direction, acting, and cinematography are all top-notch, resulting in a deeply moving and memorable movie.

Boyhood is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 44 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 100.