The Boy Who Could Fly (VHS, 1994) GOOD TESTED

Description: The Boy Who Could Fly is a 1986 fantasy-drama film written and directed by Nick Castle. The movie, which was released on VHS in 1994, tells the heartwarming and emotional story of a young girl who befriends an autistic boy with an extraordinary ability—he may actually be able to fly. The film blends elements of fantasy and coming-of-age drama, exploring themes of loss, friendship, and hope. It remains a nostalgic favorite from the 1980s and '90s.Plot Summary: The story follows Milly Michaelson (played by Lucy Deakins), a teenager who moves to a new neighborhood with her mother, Charlene (played by Bonnie Bedelia), and younger brother, Louis (played by Fred Savage), after their father’s death. The family is struggling to cope with their loss, and each member deals with it in their own way. Next door lives Eric Gibb (played by Jay Underwood), a mysterious, non-verbal boy who has autism and is often seen staring at the sky. Eric lives with his alcoholic uncle after losing his parents in a tragic accident, and he’s known for standing on the roof of his house with his arms outstretched as if he’s flying. Due to his behavior, Eric is ostracized by other kids and misunderstood by adults. As Milly adjusts to her new surroundings and the weight of her family’s grief, she becomes curious about Eric. Despite his inability to communicate verbally, the two form a close bond, and Milly becomes convinced that Eric has the ability to fly. She begins to spend more time with him, and the two share quiet, touching moments of connection that help them both cope with their personal struggles. Throughout the film, Milly helps Eric navigate challenges at school and in life, while also facing her own emotional hurdles. As their friendship deepens, Milly begins to believe that Eric’s apparent flying ability could be real rather than just a metaphor for freedom and escape from life’s hardships. The film reaches its climax when Eric attempts to literally fly away from his troubles, and Milly’s belief in him becomes the emotional anchor that defines their relationship. The ending leaves the audience with a blend of magical realism and emotional poignancy, allowing for a heartfelt conclusion about the power of belief, friendship, and hope.Themes: The Boy Who Could Fly is a film rich with themes of coping with loss, personal growth, and believing in the impossible:Grief and Healing: Both Milly and Eric are dealing with profound loss—Milly the death of her father, and Eric the death of his parents. Their friendship becomes a path toward emotional healing.Friendship and Acceptance: Milly’s acceptance of Eric despite his differences is at the heart of the film. Her belief in his ability to fly symbolizes acceptance and understanding of people who don’t fit societal norms.Imagination and Fantasy: The film cleverly blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Eric’s "ability to fly" could be interpreted literally or metaphorically, representing the power of belief and imagination to overcome difficult circumstances.Cast:Lucy Deakins as Milly Michaelson: A kind-hearted teenager who, while dealing with the death of her father, befriends Eric and becomes his emotional support.Jay Underwood as Eric Gibb: A silent, autistic boy with a mysterious ability that suggests he can fly. His bond with Milly helps him face the world.Bonnie Bedelia as Charlene Michaelson: Milly’s mother, who is struggling to rebuild her life after the death of her husband.Fred Savage as Louis Michaelson: Milly’s younger brother, who also deals with the loss of his father in his own quirky way.Colleen Dewhurst as Mrs. Sherman: Eric’s caring but overwhelmed social worker.Fred Gwynne as Uncle Hugo: Eric's troubled, alcoholic uncle who struggles to care for him after the death of Eric’s parents.Reception: While The Boy Who Could Fly did not become a huge box-office success upon its initial release, it garnered positive reviews for its sensitive handling of grief, autism, and the challenges of adolescence. The film is often praised for its blend of heartfelt drama and light fantasy, and its portrayal of Eric’s character as more than just a misunderstood outcast struck a chord with many viewers. Over time, the movie gained a cult following, particularly among families and younger audiences who appreciated its hopeful message and emotional depth. The VHS release in 1994 helped solidify its status as a family-friendly classic, introducing it to a new generation.Legacy: The Boy Who Could Fly is remembered for its heartwarming storytelling, strong performances, and sensitive portrayal of autism. Jay Underwood’s portrayal of Eric remains a highlight, as he brought nuance to a non-verbal character who communicated through actions and emotions rather than words. The film's combination of real-life struggles with an element of magical realism made it stand out as a unique and touching story for its time.Summary: The Boy Who Could Fly (VHS, 1994) is a touching fantasy-drama about a young girl who befriends a non-verbal, autistic boy who may or may not have the power to fly. Through their friendship, they both learn to cope with loss and discover the power of hope and belief. With its blend of emotional depth and gentle fantasy, the film has earned its place as a heartwarming family classic.

Price: 9.99 USD

Location: Chicago, Illinois

End Time: 2025-01-15T21:36:35.000Z

Shipping Cost: 4.63 USD