Ben X (Movie Review)

Foreign Film (Belgium/Dutch)

Rating: 5/5 Loved it!

Age R: pg-13 for partial nudity

Release Date: September 26, 2007/August 2008

Synopsis:
Ben is different and his life is a universe all unto itself. He has Asperger’s Syndrome, a mild form of autism that prevents normal communication, and while he is a courageous hero--BEN X--in the fantasy on-line gaming world that consumes him, in his daily life Ben is tormented by bullies and ignored by apathetic teachers. As the bullies’ relentless attacks push him over the edge and out of control, his on-line dream girl, Scarlite, appears to him and helps him devise a perfect plan to confront the bullies and make them pay for their torment.

Some background info:

Taken from a real-life tragedy -- which Belgian director Nic Balthazar first showcased in a book called Nothing is All He Said -- Ben X is the tale of a reclusive teen with a version of autism called Asperger's Syndrome.

-source here

Awards:
Fipresci Prize
Grand Prix des Amériques
Most Popular Film
Prize of the Ecumenical Jury

Thoughts:
This movie was not absolutely perfect and there were a few things I didn't like. I can't remember what because you know what? It didn't matter. I loved this movie anyway. If you're looking for a feel happy movie um...this might not be it. It has its happy moments, but for the most part it has a melancholy mood to it and is just SO sad! The reason for this is because you feel so much for Ben. He goes through a lot of crap that you seriously want to cry at times, go hug him, and be his best friend.
This movie surprised me, especially that ending. The whole movie made me happy and sad at the same time. Crazy huh?
I highly recommend this movie. Trust me, you will not forget it even if you end up not liking it which I think will be difficult, but hey that's my opinion. :)

Notes:
Supposedly Ben is a teenager, but he looks nothing like a teenager. Maybe in his 20's.

Sweetness:
If you have Netflix, Ben X is available so you can watch it online instantly. I'm sorry for the rest of you :( But hopefully you can find it at a movie rental place or for a good price somewhere. :) You can get it for about $18 here on ebay, on Amazon for $22.49.

Quotes:

Ben-

It's hard to explain. It's hard to explain myself. But I never tell lies. Everything I say is true, even when I don't say a thing.

Trailer:



Soundtrack:
The soundtrack is great! I can't find it anywhere though :(

This song came out on it-

DeVotchKa-How it Ends



If someone out there finds the soundtrack PLEASE let me know! You can leave me a comment or email me. Thanks so much! :)

YOU WILL ENJOY WATCHING THIS MOVIE IF YOU LIKE/ARE INTERESTED IN:
-cruelty
-bullies
-melancholy moods
-autism
-Asperger's syndrome
-great direction
-sadness
-happyness
-the feeling of wonderment/amazement/a feeling you have no idea what it is after watching a movie