Master Harold...and the Boys (2010)

56% of users liked it
(55 ratings)

The story of Hally, an adolescent white South African stuck between his intolerant father's outlook of him and those of his caretaker, Sam. Sam is a black waiter and Hally's friend and teacher. Hally is required to laugh at his father's racist jokes, while Sam contrastingly exposes Hally to… More The story of Hally, an adolescent white South African stuck between his intolerant father's outlook of him and those of his caretaker, Sam. Sam is a black waiter and Hally's friend and teacher. Hally is required to laugh at his father's racist jokes, while Sam contrastingly exposes Hally to uplifting experiences. One day Hally is terribly humiliated by his father and Sam shows Hally how to be proud of something he can achieve.

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 23 min.
Directed By: Lonny Price
Genres: Drama

On DVD: Oct 11, 2011

Critic Reviews

Phil Hall, Film Threat
This film version never quite clicks because of a lack of ensemble chemistry with its three main stars.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Byron B

I worked on a production of this stage play in college. It is an interesting alternative to the Oscar contender The Help. It is freed a bit from its constraints as a stage play during the opening credits and by including Hally's parents as characters. Master Harold, or Hally… More
I worked on a production of this stage play in college. It is an interesting alternative to the Oscar contender The Help. It is freed a bit from its constraints as a stage play during the opening credits and by including Hally's parents as characters. Master Harold, or Hally informally, has formed friendships with Sam and Willie who work at his parents' restaurant. Sam especially has been there for most of Hally youth more than his father has. However, as a white "master" in Apartheid South Africa, Hally fluctuates between treating his friends with respect and dignity and snapping at them in the way his father and culture tell him he should. Hally struggles with who he is. I had forgotten that a major part of the story, which reveals a lot about Hally's inner being, is about how embarrassed and ashamed he is of his father. Ving Rhames, as Sam, carries himself with a regal bearing through demonstrating dance (an important symbol) and all the injustices he faces. This is a good drama.

Cast

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Master Harold...and the Boys (2010)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Byron B

Cast

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