Watch Little Boy
- PG-13
- 2015
- 1 hr 47 min
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7.3 (24,376)
Little Boy is a heartwarming and emotional film that tells the story of a young boy named Pepper Flynt Busbee and his unwavering faith in love, hope, and miracles. Set during the Second World War, the movie explores themes of loss, separation, prejudice, and the power of belief in a time of despair. Pepper Flynt Busbee (Jakob Salvati) is a small, eight-year-old boy living in OâHare, California, with his parents and his older brother London (David Henrie). Pepper is deeply attached to his father, James (Michael Rapaport), who is his best friend, role model, and idol. James is called to serve in the U.S. Army overseas, leaving his family behind with a heavy heart. Pepper is devastated when his father leaves, and he becomes increasingly anxious about his safety.
Pepper is a kind-hearted and imaginative boy who believes in the power of magic, superheroes, and God. His faith in God is strengthened by his local priest, Father Oliver (Tom Wilkinson), who encourages him to pray for miracles. Father Oliver also tells Pepper the story of "The Three Soldiers" from the gospel of Matthew, which teaches him that if he has faith as small as a mustard seed, he can move mountains.
Pepperâs life takes a turn when his best friend, Hashimoto (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), becomes the target of discrimination and hate from the townspeople, who see him as a threat due to his Japanese-American heritage. Hashimoto is seen as an enemy, despite the fact that he has a son fighting for the U.S. Army. Pepperâs father is also serving alongside Hashimotoâs son, reminding audiences of the futility of war and the humanity that is sacrificed in its name.
Pepperâs faith is tested even further when his brother is declared unfit for service and James is reported as missing in action. Pepperâs mother, Emma (Emily Watson), is heartbroken and struggles to keep the family together in Jamesâ absence. Despite her own grief, Emma tries her best to console her son and instills in him the belief that his prayers will be answered if he has enough faith.
Pepper sees the anti-Japanese sentiment in his community as an injustice and takes it upon himself to help Hashimoto throughout the film. He decides to embark on a mission to end the war and bring his father back home by carrying out a series of good deeds that he believes will make him worthy of God's grace. Along the way, Pepper learns lessons that challenge his perception of the world and himself, and he comes to understand the power of love and kindness to transform the hearts of even the most hateful individuals.
Little Boy is a touching film that tugs at the heartstrings with its inspiring story of a young boyâs faith journey. The movie has its fair share of tear-jerking moments and is thought-provoking in its exploration of the tragedy of war and the resilience of the human spirit. The film is anchored by an exceptional performance from Jakob Salvati, who delivers a captivating portrayal of a child's unwavering faith.
Emily Watson and Michael Rapaport also bring depth and authenticity to their roles as grieving parents struggling to keep their family together in the face of adversity. The supporting cast, including Tom Wilkinson and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, provide strong performances that help to drive home the film's message of hope and redemption.
Little Boy is a movie that celebrates the innocence, purity, and imagination of childhood while also acknowledging the complicated and painful realities of the world around us. It is a film that encourages viewers to have faith in themselves, love their neighbors, and believe in the power of miracles. It is a must-see for anyone who values stories that inspire, uplift, and touch the soul.
Little Boy is a 2015 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 30.