Is Boye Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Boye, a standout production of 2017, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Gonzalo Boye, a lawyer, businessman, and editor of Mongolia magazine, was convicted in the 1990s for allegedly collaborating with ETA in a kidnapping, a crime he denies. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Gonzalo Boye, a lawyer, businessman, and editor of Mongolia magazine, was convicted in the 1990s for allegedly collaborating with ETA in a kidnapping, a crime he denies. His story, told in a documentary by Sebastián Arabia, begins in Chile and continues in Spain, where he served 14 years in prison. During this time, he studied law and later handled significant cases like the 11M trials, the Bárcenas case, defending Edward Snowden, and suing the George W. Bush administration over Guantanamo."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. In Boye, we see Gonzalo Boye utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.

The direction by Sebastián Arabia is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its N/A minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Boye truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.7/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Boye explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Sebastián Arabia respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Boye serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Gonzalo Boye or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Boye is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.