Review: Boy Kills World
A hyper-violent anti-violent film? This is a proper cult diamond in the rough.
Hyper-violent cult action flick with wickedly unrealistic and yet totally satisfying fight scenes?
I'm talking about Boy Kills World a 2023 phenomena that can hardly be reviewed because to review is to flatten a work into a single receivable dimension. This film is layered like a parfait and so damn enjoyable that I'd recommend grabbing a DVD copy for your library any day.
I've seen a lot of films in my life. I used to be a film-nerd, once upon a time. My first job, working in a video store, was probably my happiest working experience. My first passion in academics? The art of the screen.
My life took a different road, but I've never ceased to find myself drawn to the art. And to be willing to look into unexpected places to find artistic gems.
Boy Kills World didn't seem like much from a surface read -- just another vaguely futuristic dystopian blood-fest, right? But the script, acting, and over-the-top directorial style conspired to create an unexpected slice of magic.
There are twists and turns here that took me completely by surprise. There are moments of ridiculous, awful, brutal humor that actually land. That last is a rarity in films of this sort. But somehow, Boy Kills World doesn't glorify the violence -- even as it immerses you in guns and gore. If anything, I'd say that there is a poignant sense of intense horror at the violence humans can inflict on one another.
It's a hyper-violent action film that keeps shouting, at the top of its lungs: It's crazy and insane to revel in these things. Don't let the world go here.
These days (being a new dad and all) I don't get to watch many films. But I'm particularly glad I made the time for this one. I think you will be, too.
Oh, and make sure you watch through the credits for the scene at the end.
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