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The Foster Boy

2011·Movie
1h 43min
71
GoodGoodWatch score

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Not streaming in United States. Where it is:

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Strong craft, a touch of humor.

Energy

Calm and low-key

  • Tension6
  • Fast Pace5
  • Violence5

Heart

Moving and melancholic

Much of it is about growing up and family.

  • Pathos8
  • Melancholy8
  • Coming of Age7

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Dark Humor3
  • Physical Comedy2

World

Class and money, history, and growing up

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Standout characters

  • Character Depth8
  • Direction7
  • Acting7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing6
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking

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About

Switzerland, 1955. The young orphan Max is sent as a foster child and contracted to work for the Bösiger family who lives on a farm. His foster parents treat him like a workhorse while their son seizes every opportunity to humiliate him. Playing the accordion is the one thing that is entirely his. But when the new teacher stands up for Max, it only makes a bad situation much worse. The only thing preserving his will to survive is his friendship with Berteli, who was also taken on to work at the farm. Max dreams of Argentina with her: a fantasy world, where allegedly even hayforks are made of silver.
Historical DramaFoster ChildSocial InjusticeComing-of-AgeOppression and ResilienceRural SwitzerlandClass ConflictEmotional Hardship

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Foster Boy

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Foster Boy legally?

GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for The Foster Boy in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.

Is The Foster Boy worth watching?

71
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 72/100 (IMDb 7.4). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Foster Boy rated?

Violence

Content advisories: violence.

How long is The Foster Boy?

1 h 43 min

The Foster Boy runs 1 h 43 min.

What language is The Foster Boy in?

GermanFrench

It was made in German, with some French. Produced in Germany, Switzerland.

In how many countries can I watch The Foster Boy?

3ATCHDE

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Foster Boy in 3 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.