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Second Best is a drama movie released in 1994. It follows the story of Graham Holt, played by William Hurt, a lonely British teacher who decides to adopt a troubled boy named James, portrayed by Nathan Yapp. Throughout the film, the relationship between Graham and James is examined as they both try to find their place in the world. The movie takes place in a rundown town in Northern England, where Graham has spent most of his life teaching in a local school. He is a reserved man who lives by himself and has no close friends or family. One day, the school's headmaster introduces him to James, a young boy who has been in and out of foster care several times. Graham agrees to let James stay with him, hoping to give the boy the stability he needs to thrive.

As the two begin to spend time together, it becomes clear that James has a troubled past that has left him emotionally scarred. Graham tries his best to help him, but he soon realizes that he doesn't know how to connect with James on an emotional level. He struggles to find common ground with the boy, who is often distant and unresponsive.

Despite his initial reservations, Graham begins to develop a paternal bond with James, something he has never had before. However, things take a turn for the worse when James' biological father, Lenny, portrayed by Keith Allen, comes back into his life. Lenny is a petty criminal who has spent most of his life in prison, and he wants James back in his life to use him as a pawn in his criminal activities.

As Lenny tries to take James away from Graham, the two begin to develop a deeper bond, and Graham realizes that he cannot let James go. He understands that he is not the perfect father figure, but he is the best option available to James. He fights tooth and nail to keep James by his side and to protect him from his father's dangerous influence.

Second Best is a touching and emotional movie that explores the complexities of father-son relationships. The film is a portrayal of a man's struggle to connect with a boy who has been hurt by life, and it offers a nuanced and insightful look into the challenges of adoption. The performances of the lead actors are fantastic, especially William Hurt, who delivers a subtle and nuanced performance as Graham Holt. Nathan Yapp is also excellent as James, a troubled boy who is desperate for love and stability.

Overall, Second Best is a powerful and affecting film that will resonate with anyone who has struggled to find their place in the world. It is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the importance of family. If you enjoy dramas that provide emotional depth and complex characters, this movie is certainly worth your time.

Second Best is a 1994 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.