A Brilliant Young Mind (2014)

A socially awkward teenage math prodigy finds new confidence and new friendships when he lands a spot on the British squad at the International Mathematics Olympiad.

Director:

Morgan Matthews

Writer:

James Graham

Stars:

Asa Butterfield, Rafe Spall, Sally Hawkins

3 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Asa Butterfield	...	Nathan Ellis
Rafe Spall	...	Martin Humphreys
Sally Hawkins	...	Julie Ellis
Eddie Marsan	...	Richard
Jo Yang	...	Zhang Mei
Martin McCann	...	Michael Ellis
Jake Davies	...	Luke Shelton
Alex Lawther	...	Isaac Cooper
Alexa Davies	...	Rebecca Dunn
Orion Lee	...	Deng Laoshi
Edward Baker-Close	...	Nathan Ellis (9 yrs)
Percelle Ascott	...	Ben Morgan
Suraj Rattu	...	Pav Kamdar
Jamie Ballard	...	Headmaster
Clare Burt	...	Doctor

Storyline

In a world difficult to comprehend, Nathan struggles to connect with those around him - most of all his loving mother - but finds comfort in numbers. When Nathan is taken under the wing of unconventional and anarchic teacher, Mr. Humphreys, the pair forge an unusual friendship and Nathan's talents win him a place on the UK team at the International Mathematics Olympiad. From suburban England to bustling Taipei and back again, Nathan builds complex relationships as he is confronted by the irrational nature of love.

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Plot Keywords:

mathematics | love | mother son relationship | loss of father | autism | 

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Taglines:

Is there a formula for love?

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

N: Rated PG-13 for some strong language, a sexual reference, drug material and disturbing images

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 September 2015 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Brilliant Young Mind

Filming Locations:

Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$31,408 (USA) (11 September 2015)

Gross:

$139,511 (USA) (2 October 2015)

Company Credits

Production Co:

BBC Films, British Film Institute (BFI), Head Gear Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

One of the filming locations was King Edward VII Upper School in Sheffield.

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Goofs

When Nathan runs from the exam to the coffee shop, the shop exterior has a sign that reads "Umlimted" filter coffee or tea.

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Quotes

Richard: Its all about adaptability, Nathan. Sometimes you have to change your shape... to fit in.

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Connections

Featured in Conan: David Oyelowo/Asa Butterfield/JR JR (2015)

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Soundtracks

The Sad Song
Written and performed by Alfredo Viola

User Reviews

Beautiful.

'I think I see the world differently to others' explains Nathan, played by Asa Butterfield. The distinction causing this however is that he is has been diagnosed with Autism, which passes the conclusion that he is socially awkward, shy and 'unique'.

Although considered disabled, Nathan is a maths-prodigy. A self- confessed, algebra loving whizz at that. Because of his advanced capability in the subject, Nathan joins a high-school a few years early and placed under the teaching of Raff Spall's character, Mr Hutchinson. Heading into early stages of MS, Hutchinson explains to Nathan a competition that he did in his youth and recommends he should enter it

• the International Mathematics Olympiad, a world- wide competition

similar to sporting, but rather than strong muscles, strong brains.

Chosen as one of the sixteen entries from the UK, he then joins a worldly-mix of other competitors in what is probably the most difficult children's test in the world.

At this point you realize how the story is going to end, along with the regular clichés. But X+Y keeps you on toes and raises the grade to unexpected.

Although X+Y is focused around maths, it doesn't matter. The subject could easily be replaced or removed and the film would hold strong by because in awe of the fundamental driven narrative. Put into cheesy maths terms X+Y is: Great casting + dramatic story + comedy - clichés = success.

Taking the on the central lead, Asa Butterfield (Ender's Game) stuns in the portrayal and authentically attaches us with emotion to his story. Co-starring as Nathan's mother, Sally Hawkins also gives a stellar performance.

Crafted with flashbacks, X+Y is very much about the destination as well as it is the journey. Comparable to A Beautiful Mind, this too is a prodigy excellence and a charming feature from Morgan Matthews.