An autistic son makes life difficult and also a joy for a father who lost his wife and found himself struggling to cope with work, his son's education, and the lack of understanding the "normal" world has for this condition.
16 Reviews
Bullies!
bakersdozen-486481 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
As a former special ed teacher, I was very excited about this movie. I am currently watching it and I'm at 58 minutes. This could be a perfect movie, except for the bullies. I'm not saying that they are not relevant to the story, but every time there is an incident I am fuming inside! Bullying is not tolerated in our schools today, especially with special kids. They are usually celebrated or at the least, protected. The school staff in this movie were just as guilty as the young bullies. Tolerating and refusing to address those behaviors is hurting the bullied child. If I were the parent, I would have brought it to the attention of the Board of Education and, if need be, gotten an attorney. Every child deserves a great education without fear of abuse. I give this move an 8 because other than the bully issue, it's great.
Wonderful Performances
PandoraZero14 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
John Asher did a wonderful job with this movie. It's an informative, honest, look at the struggles of raising an autistic child as a single parent. At the same time, he adds a sense of magic. He helps us imagine the world in which the autistic mind lives. That aspect of the movie feels like the hopes of the filmmaker (whose son is autistic) at first, but soon it becomes clear that that world might jeopardize the father's (David's) relationship with Po. After all, for every hope of the unknown, darkness can creep in. Asher blends this fantasy and the real struggle impressively. Christopher Gorham, Julian Feder, Kaitlin Doubleday and Andrew Bowen give wonderful performances that should not be missed. Well done to all involved.
Well Meaning, but Syrupy and TV-Grade
vicstevinson1 September 2017
This film is suited for Lifetime TV or Hallmark Channel. With falling box office revenues, it's astonishing ithas had limited distribution to theaters.
Autism is a topic of massive concern that deserves to be treated with great care. This film presents a touching portrait of a widowed father trying to raise an autistic son on his own. Unfortunately it has the emotional finesse of a charging rhinoceros both in character-development and tone.
The father and son roles are aptly portrayed, but the script ventures into unknown territory and attempts to define it in ham-fisted ways. Then there's the played out trope of a grieving father who won't discuss his loss, despite repeated questioning from his son asking where his mom is. A lot of their interactions feel like those between two people who haven't met before, such as a dietary issue that could be remedied if the father bothered to incorporate what the boy needs (fiber) into what the boy wants.
The result feels overly ambitious. The school bully and others are one-dimensional and played with such gusto they lose their places. And then there's the person with whom Po most easily relates: a mentally-challenged person. Give me a break.
Most unforgivable was the happy ending; actually the avalanche of happy, tidy endings. The film's final act heads into territory that is so choked with tidy conclusions that I wondered what drama was up next to be neatly and much too easily solved. This script doesn't know when to stop.
Autism is a topic of massive concern that deserves to be treated with great care. This film presents a touching portrait of a widowed father trying to raise an autistic son on his own. Unfortunately it has the emotional finesse of a charging rhinoceros both in character-development and tone.
The father and son roles are aptly portrayed, but the script ventures into unknown territory and attempts to define it in ham-fisted ways. Then there's the played out trope of a grieving father who won't discuss his loss, despite repeated questioning from his son asking where his mom is. A lot of their interactions feel like those between two people who haven't met before, such as a dietary issue that could be remedied if the father bothered to incorporate what the boy needs (fiber) into what the boy wants.
The result feels overly ambitious. The school bully and others are one-dimensional and played with such gusto they lose their places. And then there's the person with whom Po most easily relates: a mentally-challenged person. Give me a break.
Most unforgivable was the happy ending; actually the avalanche of happy, tidy endings. The film's final act heads into territory that is so choked with tidy conclusions that I wondered what drama was up next to be neatly and much too easily solved. This script doesn't know when to stop.
Gorgeous, Unique, Imaginative Film That Captures Autism
shannondoty8712 October 2016
As someone who has worked in the autism field for nearly a decade, I can vouch for "Po" as a film that captures the everyday challenges of thousands of families across the globe. Director John Asher's emphasis on the rawness of autism is met with magical cinematography that transports the audience to places beyond fantasy. Asher is the father of a son, Evan, who is on the autism spectrum, and insights from his personal experience are evident in the film.
Expertly written, the storyline grabs the viewer and takes them on a ride across the fine line of imagination and reality. Christopher Gorham and Julian Feder are an on-screen "dream team" - connected, convincing, and compelling.
"Po" is a brilliant film worth seeing again and again.
Expertly written, the storyline grabs the viewer and takes them on a ride across the fine line of imagination and reality. Christopher Gorham and Julian Feder are an on-screen "dream team" - connected, convincing, and compelling.
"Po" is a brilliant film worth seeing again and again.
If you actually know a person with Autism, don't watch this.
streeker-860996 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
A bumbling movie.
Hipaa violations. 1) When the therapist that is no longer on his case visits Patrick in the facility, and 2) She asks to be kept updated and the facility agrees, "We will just say you are family." Wow! Wrong, wrong, wrong!
Another movie with a child with Autism AND Savant? Really? We will just ignore that you can't trade stocks unless you are at least 18 in some states and 21 in the rest; until then, you can make recommendations and deposit money into a custodial account but a parent or legal guardian who is of age has to actually place the trade orders. So was the child breaking the law by using his father's signature without his consent? That's OK, let's celebrate his genius at breaking the law.
Drifting. What?
The movie actually named the city the ABA facility was in, and showed that it FAILED.
The Social Worker was way out of bounds. The father never properly explains to anyone about his child's autism. He just lets people act on presumptive accounts.
The movie DID have all the HALLMARK road stops, a widowed father meets an adorable caring therapist they struggle to open up to love while caring for a troubled child complete with birds chirping and a sappy song.
Hipaa violations. 1) When the therapist that is no longer on his case visits Patrick in the facility, and 2) She asks to be kept updated and the facility agrees, "We will just say you are family." Wow! Wrong, wrong, wrong!
Another movie with a child with Autism AND Savant? Really? We will just ignore that you can't trade stocks unless you are at least 18 in some states and 21 in the rest; until then, you can make recommendations and deposit money into a custodial account but a parent or legal guardian who is of age has to actually place the trade orders. So was the child breaking the law by using his father's signature without his consent? That's OK, let's celebrate his genius at breaking the law.
Drifting. What?
The movie actually named the city the ABA facility was in, and showed that it FAILED.
The Social Worker was way out of bounds. The father never properly explains to anyone about his child's autism. He just lets people act on presumptive accounts.
The movie DID have all the HALLMARK road stops, a widowed father meets an adorable caring therapist they struggle to open up to love while caring for a troubled child complete with birds chirping and a sappy song.
Heart-warmingly Authentic, and Raw
hviparina29 October 2016
John Asher and Julian Feder along with the original music from Burt Bacharach have created a film that is like no other. The cinematography, script, and brilliant acting all come together to show the world what autism is really like. The result is a truly honest film that shows the joys as well as the struggles of having an autistic child. John Asher was able to accurately show us how an autistic person lives and the beautiful world only they can see. One that is often so hard for them to share with the world. Using correct terminology to explain what autism is and how it affects someone, the film can help a viewer understand autism more fully. The relationships created through out the film are honest with reality and move the story along at the perfect rate. Centered around such an important topic, the film is both bold and gentle. It has times of comic relief, but be sure to bring some tissues.
I highly, highly recommend seeing this movie. It is one that will change the way this world sees autism.
I highly, highly recommend seeing this movie. It is one that will change the way this world sees autism.
Sad, in a bad way
josesampaio-950818 June 2022
To say that it is poorly written is an euphemism. This is one of the worst movies that I have ever seen. It is unrealistic in so many ways that ir almost hurts. Even if it truly represents the challenges of parenting a child with autism, it is impossible to take it seriously since the depiction of the world/society/environment is so far from real.
Even the soundtrack can upset anyone: there is a main song which goes with everything that's played every 5 minutes, loosing it's meaning and making the experience of watching this movie even worse.
If it wasn't for the two main actors, who were surprisingly good, given that their línes were usually terrible, I would rate it even lower.
Even the soundtrack can upset anyone: there is a main song which goes with everything that's played every 5 minutes, loosing it's meaning and making the experience of watching this movie even worse.
If it wasn't for the two main actors, who were surprisingly good, given that their línes were usually terrible, I would rate it even lower.
A well-made movie of very nice and touching story.
TxMike16 March 2021
The subject 11-yr-old boy's name is Patrick, but he is called Po. His mother just died and his engineer dad is having difficulty juggling single parenthood and his job, and a big design project for a new type of airplane. Po has autism but is very bright, and has a vivid imagination. When he puts his mother's old scarf over his head he can escape to any number of far away exotic worlds.
It is a good story and the movie is very well made. There are some interesting developments, one of which is dad's discovery that Po had been making stock moves in dad's financial portfolio and it was worth many times more than he thought it would be.
My wife and I watched it on Amazon streaming movies. It is the type of movie I'd watch again after 6 to 12 months.
It is a good story and the movie is very well made. There are some interesting developments, one of which is dad's discovery that Po had been making stock moves in dad's financial portfolio and it was worth many times more than he thought it would be.
My wife and I watched it on Amazon streaming movies. It is the type of movie I'd watch again after 6 to 12 months.
Showing different perspectives of Autism.
jraymaggie3 May 2017
This movie is a must see for everyone of all ages! This movie was a beautifully written depiction of the everyday challenges and triumphs for families who have children with autism. It also gives a glimpse of what autism can look like through the eyes of the child. This movie will make you laugh, cry, and smile.
Please stop with that irritating piano music in tv-movies, nobody likes it.
deloudelouvain12 March 2020
Why this movie would win any awards, let alone twelve, is a mystery to me. From the first minutes you get that awful feeling this movie is made for Lifetime. I was actually surprised it wasn't. That typical horrible piano music you get in every scene, it's just cringing to hear, it's a basic signature for lousy Lifetime or Hallmark tv-movies. the story is also typical, we got to learn a life lesson here, but first let's fill the movie with mediocre and unnecessary scenes. You won't hear me saying that some passages aren't worth watching, the ones about autism and the imaginary world they live in were interesting to watch, but for example when the autist disappears after calling a taxi that comes pick him up at the special needs school, driving him far away and that without getting paid and without warning the police, that's the kind of stupid scenes that bring down a story that could have been good. Julian Feder did a decent job playing his character, he's the best actor of this movie. His father played by Christopher Gorham is the opposite, mediocre acting, just the kind you would expect for a tv-movie. It's not because it's a dramatic movie about autism that it's going to be good. There are wonderful movies about autism, but A Boy Called Po isn't one of them.
I loved it!
michael-350461 September 2017
This is a beautiful movie! If you have a child with Autism, if you know a child with Autism, if you know someone who knows someone with Autism this is a must see movie! It gives a clear view into a world that many of us know too little about. The movie was beautifully shot and I can't get over how Julian Feder just nailed it playing a child with Autism. This is a movie that can make a difference in a lot of peoples lives!
Feder is a star
prigney-663762 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
In a time when big- budget, comic hero, dystopian films dominate the industry, A Boy Called Po is a refreshing alternative, offering a gentle reminder that everyday heroes are already living among us. The film is centered around a child living with Autism, and his father, David, who is dealing with the death of his wife, while bearing the sole responsibility of caring for a child with special needs and maintaining his job as an engineer in a precarious economy. The loss of his job has catastrophic implications, including the loss of the health care benefits that are essential to his son's survival.
This film is a timely and powerful political statement against the dark, and intolerant climate we are currently living in. In a time where the President of the United States gets away with mocking a disabled reporter, millions of people are worried about losing their health care, and countless people are feeling hopeless and disenfranchised, this film serves as a reminder that bullies never win in the end. The everyday heroes in this film are inspiring and are often unexpected; Po is protected by a surprising hero at school, Po's therapist becomes an invaluable source of support and a love interest for David, a friend at work offers to loan him money, the owner of a hobby shop hires him even though David is grossly overqualified for the job, and even an investigator for Child Protective Services becomes an unlikely hero. While the film offers examples of everyday heroes, those who fail to show up for David and Po are called out in the subtext. For example, David's extended family is notably absent in the film. When a friend recommends that he should ask his in laws for support, he responds with "It's complicated." David's boss and the majority of his coworkers fail him miserably, forcing him to quit his job. Additionally, the failure of the educational system to properly accommodate or protect Po is masterfully shown by well-meaning teachers, administrators, and experts who repeatedly put Po in danger. The teacher and administrator's fail to notice that a bully is terrorizing Po, contributing to his regression and poor school performance. At a fancy, expensive facility, Po endures applied behavior treatments that cause him to dangerously retreat into his inner world, causing him to escape from the facility, putting him in harm's way. Directed by John Asher, whose style is reminiscent of Frank Capra, A Boy Called Po champions the common man overcoming adversity, provides a hopeful message while dealing with a difficult subject, and surprises the audience with a sentimental, O Henry- style twist at the end.
The film relies on talent, expert storytelling, and like all great projects- a good deal of luck. Asher was serendipitously seated next to Burt Bacharach on a flight, who agreed to provide the film score, elevating the film considerably. Without Bacharach's contribution, it would be difficult to understand the inner world of Po, whose mother's ethereal protection is felt within the haunting refrains of "Close to You" and "Dancing with Your Shadow". In contrast to the sparse, bordering on claustrophobic reality scenes, Po's inner world scenes are wide-open and magical, capturing Po's exquisite imagination. This deliberate choice by the director, gives the audience a privileged view of Po's alternate world, placing him as the ultimate hero of the film. The film serves as a love letter to Asher's son Evan, reflecting a father's love and care in every detail. It provides and unflinching account of living with a child with autism, and manages to inform without lecturing. Asher also got lucky when he cast this film. Under his direction, the talented cast gives understated, nuanced performances that manage to keep the story from becoming too saccharin. Christopher Gorham's restrained, everyman portrayal of David, is both moving and relatable. He has an innate appeal that is reminiscent of Tom Hanks and Jimmy Stewart, whose careers were built on their brilliant portrayals of the common man with just the right balance of "folksiness" and intelligence. Andrew Bowen provides an endearing portrayal of Jack, demonstrating his range as an actor and his ability to surprise even the most sophisticated audience. Caitlin Carmichael provides a flawless performance and British accent for Po's imaginary friend, Ameila Carr. We learn a lot about Po through the beautiful, witty, and wise Amelia. Namely, that not only does Po have great taste, but also, that he inhabits all of these qualities himself, because he created her. Perhaps Asher's greatest gift as a director is his ability to spot talent. However, his ability to spot it before anyone else, provides another example of the director's good luck. After watching this film, it is hard to believe that Feder has not yet been discovered by some big time director or studio. Even if Asher goes on to direct the 21st century equivalent to Citizen Cane, it is likely that he will still be remembered as the guy who discovered Julian Feder. This film would not be possible without Feder's brilliant performance which is equal to, or arguably surpasses, Dustin Hoffman's Oscar winning portrayal of Raymond, an Autistic Savant in Rain Man. Given that Feder was only eleven years old when the movie was filmed, it is obvious that his talent is exceptional. He provides a quiet dignity to his character, revealing the wisdom and presence, well beyond his years, that is inherent in those who truly embody genius. Robert Duval has it, so does Hoffman, Pacino, DeNiro, and all of the truly great ones. It is an unnameable form of charisma, a quality that makes it impossible to take your eyes off of them, and is rarely found in a child actor. John Asher recognized this quality in young Julian Feder. He curated that talent to make a deeply personal, idealistic, and unforgettable movie- a film that is nothing short of a triumph. Take that, Steven Spielberg.
This film is a timely and powerful political statement against the dark, and intolerant climate we are currently living in. In a time where the President of the United States gets away with mocking a disabled reporter, millions of people are worried about losing their health care, and countless people are feeling hopeless and disenfranchised, this film serves as a reminder that bullies never win in the end. The everyday heroes in this film are inspiring and are often unexpected; Po is protected by a surprising hero at school, Po's therapist becomes an invaluable source of support and a love interest for David, a friend at work offers to loan him money, the owner of a hobby shop hires him even though David is grossly overqualified for the job, and even an investigator for Child Protective Services becomes an unlikely hero. While the film offers examples of everyday heroes, those who fail to show up for David and Po are called out in the subtext. For example, David's extended family is notably absent in the film. When a friend recommends that he should ask his in laws for support, he responds with "It's complicated." David's boss and the majority of his coworkers fail him miserably, forcing him to quit his job. Additionally, the failure of the educational system to properly accommodate or protect Po is masterfully shown by well-meaning teachers, administrators, and experts who repeatedly put Po in danger. The teacher and administrator's fail to notice that a bully is terrorizing Po, contributing to his regression and poor school performance. At a fancy, expensive facility, Po endures applied behavior treatments that cause him to dangerously retreat into his inner world, causing him to escape from the facility, putting him in harm's way. Directed by John Asher, whose style is reminiscent of Frank Capra, A Boy Called Po champions the common man overcoming adversity, provides a hopeful message while dealing with a difficult subject, and surprises the audience with a sentimental, O Henry- style twist at the end.
The film relies on talent, expert storytelling, and like all great projects- a good deal of luck. Asher was serendipitously seated next to Burt Bacharach on a flight, who agreed to provide the film score, elevating the film considerably. Without Bacharach's contribution, it would be difficult to understand the inner world of Po, whose mother's ethereal protection is felt within the haunting refrains of "Close to You" and "Dancing with Your Shadow". In contrast to the sparse, bordering on claustrophobic reality scenes, Po's inner world scenes are wide-open and magical, capturing Po's exquisite imagination. This deliberate choice by the director, gives the audience a privileged view of Po's alternate world, placing him as the ultimate hero of the film. The film serves as a love letter to Asher's son Evan, reflecting a father's love and care in every detail. It provides and unflinching account of living with a child with autism, and manages to inform without lecturing. Asher also got lucky when he cast this film. Under his direction, the talented cast gives understated, nuanced performances that manage to keep the story from becoming too saccharin. Christopher Gorham's restrained, everyman portrayal of David, is both moving and relatable. He has an innate appeal that is reminiscent of Tom Hanks and Jimmy Stewart, whose careers were built on their brilliant portrayals of the common man with just the right balance of "folksiness" and intelligence. Andrew Bowen provides an endearing portrayal of Jack, demonstrating his range as an actor and his ability to surprise even the most sophisticated audience. Caitlin Carmichael provides a flawless performance and British accent for Po's imaginary friend, Ameila Carr. We learn a lot about Po through the beautiful, witty, and wise Amelia. Namely, that not only does Po have great taste, but also, that he inhabits all of these qualities himself, because he created her. Perhaps Asher's greatest gift as a director is his ability to spot talent. However, his ability to spot it before anyone else, provides another example of the director's good luck. After watching this film, it is hard to believe that Feder has not yet been discovered by some big time director or studio. Even if Asher goes on to direct the 21st century equivalent to Citizen Cane, it is likely that he will still be remembered as the guy who discovered Julian Feder. This film would not be possible without Feder's brilliant performance which is equal to, or arguably surpasses, Dustin Hoffman's Oscar winning portrayal of Raymond, an Autistic Savant in Rain Man. Given that Feder was only eleven years old when the movie was filmed, it is obvious that his talent is exceptional. He provides a quiet dignity to his character, revealing the wisdom and presence, well beyond his years, that is inherent in those who truly embody genius. Robert Duval has it, so does Hoffman, Pacino, DeNiro, and all of the truly great ones. It is an unnameable form of charisma, a quality that makes it impossible to take your eyes off of them, and is rarely found in a child actor. John Asher recognized this quality in young Julian Feder. He curated that talent to make a deeply personal, idealistic, and unforgettable movie- a film that is nothing short of a triumph. Take that, Steven Spielberg.
Surprisingly Engaging Movie
happyinlagunawoods22 January 2018
I really did not expect to enjoy this movie, but indeed I did. Never before have I seen such an authentic portrayal of autism . Julian Feder
was truly brilliant . (Freddie Highmore could/should take lessons.)
Only one other movie captured my heart by its authenticity and that was "Whale Watcher" and the stellar performance by Keisha Castle-Hughes. These two actors were and are talented beyond their age.
Beautiful Film
kscheung4 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Making a movie about a medical condition is always difficult. Asher has done a great job balancing entertainment, cinematography, and realism in dealing with Autism. Dustin Hoffman may have brought the awareness of Autism to many in Rainman, Feder as Po here has done a great job giving many of us a much deeper appreciation for what this condition may mean for the patient and his family. Well done.
A Boy Called Po
hotwheelerd-5260322 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Wonderful Film this was a fantastic film. Great cast and wonderful story. The bullies where idiots but finally got it in the end of the film. Loved how the janitor kinda stopped a few of the pick on if he seen them. How just bye pulling the fire alarm. It was awesome how daddy always left his job in seconds just for his son. It just shows how much he loves him plus will daddy let school put him in different classes nope why. Because he knew how smart he was. Loved the end when Daddy had all that cash in the bank why. Because Po his son made it happen. He made daddy over four hundred thousand dollars.
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