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Drama

Funny Boy (2020): Cast & Ratings

Funny Boy (2020) movie poster

Funny Boy is a 2020 drama directed by Deepa Mehta, starring Brandon Ingram as Older Arjie, Orlando Giraldo and Seema Biswas. It runs 1 hour 49 minutes. Critics gave it 81% on Rotten Tomatoes and 62 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10.

IMDb rating
6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
81%
Echo Score
81
Metascore
62
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Funny Boy (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 49m (109 min)
Director
Deepa Mehta
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Funny Boy About?

The premise of Funny Boy without spoilers.

Set in 1970s Sri Lanka, a time of increasing political unrest between the Tamil and Sinhalese communities, this coming-of-age story follows a young boy named Arjie. He grapples with his growing understanding of his own sexuality while navigating a society that struggles with difference and acceptance. The film portrays his poignant search for self-love and belonging amidst the escalating tensions and cultural clashes of the era, exploring themes of identity and family.

Funny Boy Themes & Keywords

· 48 tags
  • gay
  • gay teenager
  • sri lanka
  • gay interest
  • gay kid
  • sexual awakening
  • coming of age
  • civil war
  • train
  • train whistle
  • running on the beach
  • cute kids singing
+36 more
  • name calling
  • polishing brass
  • cassette player
  • singing
  • toe painting
  • nail polish
  • playing piano
  • singing lessons
  • chess board
  • toes
  • windshield wipers
  • rain
  • dancing
  • dancing boy
  • driving in the rain
  • climbing stairs
  • learning to knit
  • knitting
  • woman on the train
  • slapped in the face
  • flip flops
  • sandals
  • cow
  • calling someone a bitch
  • little boy
  • playing
  • beach
  • bridge the card game
  • chess
  • cricket the sport
  • teenager
  • teenage boy
  • 1980s
  • love
  • boy
  • girl
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Cast & crew

Funny Boy Cast & Characters

Brandon Ingram leads the cast as Older Arjie, with Orlando Giraldo as Man with Hockey Bag and Seema Biswas as Ammachi. Directed by Deepa Mehta; 12 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Funny Boy

· 8 more
Ratings

Funny Boy Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Funny Boy 81% on Rotten Tomatoes and 62 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 81/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in story & flow (70).

81 /100

Funny Boy Echo Score Breakdown

Funny Boy presents a largely successful coming-of-age narrative marked by strong emotional and visual elements. Critics praise its open-hearted portrayal of young love and the film’s elegant pacing, while only occasional commentary highlights a tendency toward melodramatic contrasts and cultural generalizations. Audience feedback notes some uneven pacing and fidelity to source material. On balance, the film offers a heartfelt and visually appealing experience despite minor narrative shortcomings.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 88

    In terms of art and craft, Funny Boy is distinguished by its elegant visual composition and thoughtful framing. Reviewers note expressive camera work and polished production design that support the story’s emotional tone. Editing transitions are measured and unobtrusive, reinforcing narrative clarity. Overall, the film’s visual craftsmanship consistently enhances its thematic depth.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to character and emotion, Funny Boy offers deeply felt performances that convey tenderness and inner conflict. The central romance resonates through nuanced acting and credible chemistry, while supporting roles contribute authentic emotional stakes. Some viewers mention occasional underdevelopment of minor figures, but overall the film achieves a persuasive emotional connection with its protagonists.

  • Story & Flow 70

    In terms of story and flow, Funny Boy unfolds at a gentle pace that underscores its introspective qualities. The narrative engages with themes of prejudice and coming-of-age, earning praise for its thoughtful messaging and cultural commentary. However, some critics find moments of melodramatic contrast and generalized context that dilute the story’s impact. Overall, the plot remains engaging but uneven.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    When it comes to sensory experience, Funny Boy employs an understated score and clean sound design that support the film’s reflective tone. The visual style features a cohesive color palette and measured mise-en-scène that highlight emotional beats. While the soundtrack is generally effective, some viewers note limited musical variety. Overall, the sensory elements reinforce the film’s contemplative mood.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    In terms of rewatch value, Funny Boy offers lasting appeal through its emotional core and thematic resonance. Viewers may revisit key relationship moments and cultural insights that linger beyond the initial screening. However, the film’s restrained pacing and occasional narrative unevenness could temper repeated viewings. On balance, the movie provides a meaningful experience with moderate replay potential.

Videos

Funny Boy Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Funny Boy.

FUNNY BOY - directed by Deepa Mehta
Details

Funny Boy Also Known As

2 alternative titles: “퍼니 보이” and “滑稽小子”.

Also known as
  • 퍼니 보이
  • 滑稽小子

Seen Funny Boy?

FAQ

Funny Boy FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Funny Boy, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Funny Boy?

Funny Boy runs 1 hour 49 minutes (109 minutes).

When was Funny Boy released?

Funny Boy was released on December 10, 2020.

Who directed Funny Boy?

Funny Boy was directed by Deepa Mehta.

More films by Deepa Mehta

Who is in the cast of Funny Boy?

Funny Boy stars Brandon Ingram as Older Arjie, Orlando Giraldo as Man with Hockey Bag and Seema Biswas as Ammachi, among 12 credited actors.

How is Funny Boy rated?

Funny Boy has 6.5/10 on IMDb, 81% on Rotten Tomatoes, 62 on Metacritic and 59% on TMDB.

Does Funny Boy have a post-credit scene?

No. Funny Boy has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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