Watch My Friend Joe

My Friend Joe is a heartwarming coming-of-age drama film that follows the life of a 10-year-old boy named Jamie. The movie is set in a small Irish town in the late 1960s and explores several themes including friendship, acceptance, and loss. Jamie is a lonely boy who is bullied at school and finds solace in spending time with his grandfather. However, his life changes when he meets Joe, a reclusive American ex-soldier who has taken refuge in an abandoned cottage on the outskirts of the town.

At first, Jamie is reluctant to approach Joe, who is rumored to be dangerous, but their paths cross one day when Jamie gets lost in the woods. Joe saves Jamie and the two strike up an unlikely friendship. Jamie is fascinated by Joe's stories of his travels and his survival skills, while Joe finds a sense of purpose in looking after the young boy.

Their friendship is not without its challenges, as Joe's presence in the town attracts the attention of the locals who are suspicious of outsiders. Jamie's family also disapproves of his friendship with Joe and the risk that comes with it.

As time goes by, Jamie and Joe's friendship deepens, and they become each other's confidants. However, tragedy strikes, and they are forced to confront the reality of their situation.

The film is beautifully shot, and the Irish countryside serves as a stunning backdrop to the story. The performances from the cast are excellent, with Schuyler Fisk shining in her role as Jamie. John Cleere and Stephen McHattie both deliver powerful performances as Joe and Jamie's grandfather respectively.

The film's director, Chris Bould, does an excellent job of balancing the emotional depth of the story with moments of humor and lightness. The scenes between Jamie and Joe are particularly poignant, and the bond between them is palpable.

Ultimately, My Friend Joe is a moving and thought-provoking film that deals with issues that are relevant even today. It reminds us of the power of friendship and the importance of acceptance, especially in a world where outsiders are often shunned. It is a film that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you thinking long after the credits roll.

Overall, My Friend Joe is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a good coming-of-age drama. While it may not have received the same level of acclaim as some of its contemporaries, it is undoubtedly an underrated gem that deserves more recognition.

My Friend Joe is a 1996 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.