SummaryOver the course of this emotional roller coaster of a summer, secrets are revealed, lessons are learned and fourteen-year-old Bobby comes to understand who he is and what makes up the true measure of a man. A bullied teen experiences a turning point summer in which he learns to stand up for himself.
Directed By:Jim Loach
Written By:David Scearce, Robert Lipsyte
Measure of a Man
Metascore
Mixed or Average
53
User score
Generally Favorable
7.5
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
42% Positive
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
42% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
17% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
May 10, 2018
88
Although Measure of a Man is less gut-wrenching than director Jim Loach’s only previous theatrical film, “Oranges and Sunshine” — about the cruel fate of unwanted children shipped from England to Australia during the United Kingdom’s mid-20th-century “child migrant” program — the British filmmaker shows himself to have an affinity for tales of the abuse of power.
May 9, 2018
75
Measure of a Man, the sophomore feature effort from British director Jim Loach (the son of the famed filmmaker Ken Loach), effectively captures this difficult-to-pin-down feeling with a largely unsentimental coming-of-age story based on Robert Lipsyte’s novel, “One Fat Summer.”
User score
Generally Favorable
67% Positive
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
17% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
17% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
May 11, 2018
10
Left the theater thankful and feeling great! Finally someone made a 'normal' movie...! Gets you thinking, feeling and remembering... crying and laughing.
May 11, 2018
10
An authentic, period coming of age film with a heart that is all too uncommon these days. I brought my son, who is slightly older than the protagonist and had to leave school due to bullying, and he enjoyed the movie as well. Loved the soundtrack!
May 9, 2018
70
While it might not bring much that's new to the coming-of-age playbook, British filmmaker Jim Loach's sensitively-observed dramedy, Measure of a Man, offers decisive proof that fresh and different is overrated when you've got a strong cast, a beautifully written script and fittingly measured direction.
May 10, 2018
50
But the synthesis is underwhelming on screen where it might have resonated in Lipsyte's book. Here, Measure becomes a mildly nostalgic, mildly romantic entry in a genre that, more than most, requires that the viewer feels a personal connection to the misfit protagonist on screen.
May 10, 2018
50
The elements are in place for a decent little movie, but Loach overplays everything, offering nothing in the way of surprises. Bobby’s supposed transformation isn’t particularly revelatory, but then, neither is anything else.
May 11, 2018
40
The conflicts come to no interesting fruition, and occasional comic flourishes (Bobby dancing to a “Soul Train” broadcast, vomiting after drinking alcohol) fall flat.
May 9, 2018
20
Cooper acquits himself as the main character, but between the pratfall/character-building montages and the endless platitudes imparted by the wise, old mentor, Measure of a Man does him few favors, and the film becomes a tedious haul through to the redemptive third act.
Nov 14, 2022
8
Really like this one. Stories like this aren't too common anymore and I find this one to have its own spice to throw in the coming of age mix. I like the self awareness of the MC when he realizes his parents troubles and that it'll be his last summer there. I love the mentor and his advice and I think the ending is satisfying.
Aug 15, 2018
5
Another coming of age film with another worn-out formula. Nothing relevant, you can skip it.
Production Company:
- Taylor Lane Productions
- Weedon Media
Release Date:May 11, 2018
Duration:1 h 40 m
Rating:PG-13
Tagline:Sometimes we have to fall down to grow up
Awards
New Zealand Cinematographers Society
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Zlin Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Australian Cinematographers Society
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
