Fairly well done documentary about one southern family's life in the midst of poverty and psychological abuse. I rather enjoyed this movie, and found my self laughing at times during the opening half. Yet this is certainly not a comical movie. Early on some the characters acted so uniquely odd, so over the top "Southern", that it seemed to be staged. As the movie runs on, you realize that it is not the case. The things that seemed laughable early on, seem quite different at the movies end. The documentary looks in to several ills that seem to go hand in hand with poverty. It takes on more social problems, I imagine, than even the film makers expected. Nonetheless it gives us a snapshot, not always an objective one, at this family's life.
14 Reviews
Poignant and Powerful
MovieJeff26 March 2004
An in-depth look into the lives of a poor, rural family with little education, and a poor family dynamic. The grandmothers maniplation was outrageous (claiming Benji won the race when robert clearly did, showing up in the kitchen at Roberts birthday and hugging and fawning over him, then crying that no one is paying attention to her)and deeply saddening. The lack of opportunities and resources almost guaruntees this family cycle of poverty will continue with Robert and Benji's children.
Excellently done. Kudos to their schools, and all of our schools. It is an outrage that teachers and school administrators are not among the highest paid positions ion our society, instead of among the lowest. The teachers and staff at our public schools sometimes do more parenting and child rearing than these parents ever do, and the fact that they make next to nothing is embarrassing to me.
Excellently done. Kudos to their schools, and all of our schools. It is an outrage that teachers and school administrators are not among the highest paid positions ion our society, instead of among the lowest. The teachers and staff at our public schools sometimes do more parenting and child rearing than these parents ever do, and the fact that they make next to nothing is embarrassing to me.
Munchausen's syndrome....
MarieGabrielle16 January 2008
by proxy is what should have been diagnosed if the grandmother had ever been taken to a competent psychiatrist.
This documentary is effective on many disturbing levels. Initially it seems Robanna is simply unwilling to care for her children, she is young, destitute. The conditions they live in in rural Mississippi are truly sad. Her mother "Memaw", cares for the children but has a particular obsession with the seven year old, Robert.
As the story develops, we see the conditions, and also the educator at Europa Elementary, concerned and upset for Roberts situation. He is a good student at school, but according to his grandmother, kills dogs and cats, and is an unmanageable raging child at home. We see how the system cannot in some cases help children in emotional danger, only actual physical danger.
The grandmother appears narcissistic, and becomes angry with her daughters nurse (Robanna has several medical issues, obesity, thyroid, etc.). Toward the latter part of the documentary, the grandmother is badly bruised with blood clots from supposedly having been kicked by Robert.
She is taken to the ER where she blames Robert. Eventually it is evident that the story was fabricated.
Fortunately, the children are returned to the custody of their natural mother, Robanna. The grandmother is now apparently confined to an institution for her psychological issues. Sad that Roberts life was not protected earlier, but Robanna had neither financial resources or education to get her mother to a psychiatrist. A sad commentary on real issues of poverty in America today. 9/10.
This documentary is effective on many disturbing levels. Initially it seems Robanna is simply unwilling to care for her children, she is young, destitute. The conditions they live in in rural Mississippi are truly sad. Her mother "Memaw", cares for the children but has a particular obsession with the seven year old, Robert.
As the story develops, we see the conditions, and also the educator at Europa Elementary, concerned and upset for Roberts situation. He is a good student at school, but according to his grandmother, kills dogs and cats, and is an unmanageable raging child at home. We see how the system cannot in some cases help children in emotional danger, only actual physical danger.
The grandmother appears narcissistic, and becomes angry with her daughters nurse (Robanna has several medical issues, obesity, thyroid, etc.). Toward the latter part of the documentary, the grandmother is badly bruised with blood clots from supposedly having been kicked by Robert.
She is taken to the ER where she blames Robert. Eventually it is evident that the story was fabricated.
Fortunately, the children are returned to the custody of their natural mother, Robanna. The grandmother is now apparently confined to an institution for her psychological issues. Sad that Roberts life was not protected earlier, but Robanna had neither financial resources or education to get her mother to a psychiatrist. A sad commentary on real issues of poverty in America today. 9/10.
What a powerful documentary
justinwebber11 July 2007
I was beyond disturbed and upset by this documentary. You would have to be blind, deaf and dumb to not see the surroundings of Robert including his insane grandmother and bitter lazy fat mother were destroying that child's future to be a normal boy.
As we could see from how he behaved at school, and getting A's for his report card he is an intelligent child stuck in some hick moron's home. I felt so beyond sorry for this child and his poor little ignored brother it actually made me sick.
In a perfect world I would not let the grandmother and her daughter look after a rabbit let alone raise two children. They are the scum of the earth. Yes that is harsh, but it's a great argument for legal and safe abortion when 'these' types of people get pregnant. It's a vicious cycle that will never end until people start saying what everyone is afraid of hearing! But Robert exists and I am saddened he is still with those horrible horrible people. The best thing for that child and his brother is be taken away immediately.
Bless the school and teachers for being so wonderful, and also Dr Phee for doing her best.
As we could see from how he behaved at school, and getting A's for his report card he is an intelligent child stuck in some hick moron's home. I felt so beyond sorry for this child and his poor little ignored brother it actually made me sick.
In a perfect world I would not let the grandmother and her daughter look after a rabbit let alone raise two children. They are the scum of the earth. Yes that is harsh, but it's a great argument for legal and safe abortion when 'these' types of people get pregnant. It's a vicious cycle that will never end until people start saying what everyone is afraid of hearing! But Robert exists and I am saddened he is still with those horrible horrible people. The best thing for that child and his brother is be taken away immediately.
Bless the school and teachers for being so wonderful, and also Dr Phee for doing her best.
A documentary following the lives of a dysfunctional Southern family raising a bright but slightly emotionally confused young boy.
runningrabbit12 March 2005
There is nothing worse than out of control adults attempting to "raise" a child. The child always ends up the victim. The grandmother is particularly disturbed and disturbing!!! She is an emotional and psychological psychopath with an obvious narcissistic personality disorder! I swear to God, I wanted to reach into the television set and slap her for her abusive and destructive behavior. As I was watching this documentary, I admit that I really did not care about her or her life as she was very very ill and needed to STAY AWAY FROM THIS BOY. I really hope this kid GETS OUT OF THIS SITUATION, pursues his education (the biggest saving grace this child has to survive and ultimately thrive) and LEAVES THE TOWN. Lest I seem unfeeling, I do understand that grinding poverty can lead to many devastating choices, but honestly, the one main route out: EDUCATION (and yes, you can get out even with a "public school" education). Thank God for the teacher who provided this young boy with one positive adult role model.
Horrific Documentary
childers-326 March 2004
Watching this documentary a few days ago, I was absolutely appalled and horrified by the behavior of the grandmother toward her 7-year old grandson, Robert. Robert was conceived out of wedlock to an underaged woman and gave her son (and later his little brother conceived while the mother was still underage and still out of wedlock) over to the custody of his half-witted, insane grandmother. The old saying "sticks and stones . . . . " is totally wrong when compared to mental abuse. This documentary should be required viewing for anyone thinking of having children or adopting children. It will show you how NOT to raise a child. I would like to see an update on Robert's progress.
A chilling documentary on emotional and psychological child abuse.
golightli8 December 2003
Robert, a Mississippi 7 year old being raised by his grandmother, is victimized by his grandmother's Munchhausen by Proxy disorder- she attributes all manner of disturbed behavior to him and has him falsely medicated for psychiatric disorders that he doesn't have. His 20 year old mother struggles to regain custody of Robert and his younger sibling, Benjamin, both of whom were conceived when she was underage.
A chilling portrait of emotional and psychological child abuse. Rory Kennedy's film is terrific.
A chilling portrait of emotional and psychological child abuse. Rory Kennedy's film is terrific.
Not for the faint of heart.
jcv225 March 2004
When I first started to watch this, I thought both the mother and the grandmother were no good, poor white trash and that the mother should be sterilized. Both seemed to be somewhat unstable mentally. The boy, too, seemed equally hopeless. As the movie progressed, my perception began to change and I began to see who was the real problem in this relationship.
Luckily, the social workers and teachers saw who the problem was as well. They actually have hope that Robert could turn out to be a normal little boy. Looking at him as they said this, you'd think they were saying this because they had to. However....
Kudos to the people who made this film who somehow were able to find these people and film their lives at such a turning point.
Luckily, the social workers and teachers saw who the problem was as well. They actually have hope that Robert could turn out to be a normal little boy. Looking at him as they said this, you'd think they were saying this because they had to. However....
Kudos to the people who made this film who somehow were able to find these people and film their lives at such a turning point.
life just is
vincent-2730 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
A beautiful documentary about a boy struggling with his mentally deranged grandmother. Many people have commented on the heart wrenching nature of this movie, and there is no doubt about that. At times I found it hard to watch and had to flip away, it was so painful to see such a dysfunctional relationship. At first you think that Robert is your typical video game addled, over sugared, under parented demon child and his grandmother is just doing her best to cope. Then you soon realise, after seeing the boy at school around normal people and given proper discipline and encouragement that he is a beautiful, intelligent little boy, and it is grandmother that is in fact screwed up.
This film hit home because I have a nephew who is in a very similar situation with my sister. She is not poor or uneducated (well fairly well educated) and my sister also has chosen medication to try and control his behavior. Like Robert, my nephew is very bright if a little hyperactive. I was close to tears as I saw the similarities.
There are some funny moments, like when the grandmother is talking about all of her guns and how she is going to use them to shoot a criminal and the boy (correctly points out) that with a gun on the wall, she is more likely to be shot by the intruder than be able to use it.
Anyway, at the end of this film I am not sure if the children are really in a good place, but at least they are aware of their messed up grandmother, who obviously lacks love in her life and has a disturbing dependant relationship with them. Just the fact they sleep in the same bed with her until they are 7 is creepy. They are left with their real mother, who serves them a steady diet of coca cola and who knows what else. She may not be Mary Poppins, but at least she doesn't smother them. I think that she is probably more capable than people think, but is obviously a little messed up.
Good job and I hope the bee-hive haired teacher lady at the end is smiling now, I felt so sad for her as she struggled to correct the seemingly insurmountable problems of poverty, neglect and poor life skills. There is hope.
This film hit home because I have a nephew who is in a very similar situation with my sister. She is not poor or uneducated (well fairly well educated) and my sister also has chosen medication to try and control his behavior. Like Robert, my nephew is very bright if a little hyperactive. I was close to tears as I saw the similarities.
There are some funny moments, like when the grandmother is talking about all of her guns and how she is going to use them to shoot a criminal and the boy (correctly points out) that with a gun on the wall, she is more likely to be shot by the intruder than be able to use it.
Anyway, at the end of this film I am not sure if the children are really in a good place, but at least they are aware of their messed up grandmother, who obviously lacks love in her life and has a disturbing dependant relationship with them. Just the fact they sleep in the same bed with her until they are 7 is creepy. They are left with their real mother, who serves them a steady diet of coca cola and who knows what else. She may not be Mary Poppins, but at least she doesn't smother them. I think that she is probably more capable than people think, but is obviously a little messed up.
Good job and I hope the bee-hive haired teacher lady at the end is smiling now, I felt so sad for her as she struggled to correct the seemingly insurmountable problems of poverty, neglect and poor life skills. There is hope.
Grandmother is the one with the problem.
pcelser23 September 2006
I watched this documentary twice. I cannot believe the Grandmother's behavior. I couldn't decide whether she was the one with the mental problems or if she was just a control freak. A little of both, I guess.
My compassion for this child brought me to tears. I cannot believe that an adult could be so emotionally abusive. Unfortunately, I was raised by the same kind of mother and I know how it feels. I have no sympathy for a grown woman who, in my opinion, beats herself about the legs and blames a 7 year old. Her daughter has obviously been just as emotionally abused and I hope gets help for herself.
Please update us on how Robert and his brother are doing. I pray that things have turned for the better.
My compassion for this child brought me to tears. I cannot believe that an adult could be so emotionally abusive. Unfortunately, I was raised by the same kind of mother and I know how it feels. I have no sympathy for a grown woman who, in my opinion, beats herself about the legs and blames a 7 year old. Her daughter has obviously been just as emotionally abused and I hope gets help for herself.
Please update us on how Robert and his brother are doing. I pray that things have turned for the better.
A heart-wrenching portrait of an impoverished Mississippi family and significant underlying emotional abuse
caeguy7624 March 2004
"A Boy's Life", Rory Kennedy's portrait of Robert, a young boy (7) growing up in abject poverty in Northern Mississippi, was difficult to watch.
Difficult to watch only because of the treatment that Robert received at the hand of his Grandmother. Numerous instances of the child being emotionally decimated by his "mamaw" raised red flags of Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome. Regardless of the impetus of the mistreatment, the film captured an upsetting family dynamic as orchestrated by the matriarch. The film was effective in its crafting layers of complexity of the relationships between Robert, his brother (whom was not examined by the film), the grandmother, and his mother.
There are moments in which I sensed some exploitation of this family in unenviable conditions; but it wasn't so much that it took away from the gravity and texture of the film.
I recommend this documentary but keep a tissue nearby, just in case.
Difficult to watch only because of the treatment that Robert received at the hand of his Grandmother. Numerous instances of the child being emotionally decimated by his "mamaw" raised red flags of Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome. Regardless of the impetus of the mistreatment, the film captured an upsetting family dynamic as orchestrated by the matriarch. The film was effective in its crafting layers of complexity of the relationships between Robert, his brother (whom was not examined by the film), the grandmother, and his mother.
There are moments in which I sensed some exploitation of this family in unenviable conditions; but it wasn't so much that it took away from the gravity and texture of the film.
I recommend this documentary but keep a tissue nearby, just in case.
Narcissism in Action
kcnow126 March 2004
This documentary fleshes out parental narcissism (i.e., the grandmother's personality disorder). I viewed this not as a professional, but as a family member who has witnessed this type of behavior. I am glad to see this subject explored in film. The quality of the production is first class. The subject choice was brilliant. In the interest of full disclosure, one part of the story was too intense for my family (painful memories there) and I skipped ahead.
I strongly recommend this film.
Since, I must provide a minimum of 10 lines, for this comment to be published, I strongly recommend this film, again.
I strongly recommend this film.
Since, I must provide a minimum of 10 lines, for this comment to be published, I strongly recommend this film, again.
Wonderful and touching
moshe_katan31 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Wonderful look into pain. I hope many educators watch it and learn how sometimes the story is completely different than initially diagnosed. Each of the main characters are basically victims of their own past, however its Robert ( and his young brother Benji) who can still succeed and break the cycle. The grandmother does the best that she knows (and that is all that she knows), I would hope that other kids who grew up in somewhat similar circumstances can get some healing after watching this documentary. As an educator watching the teachers and the school do their best in helping the boy and correctly identifying that the problem might lay elsewhere made me feel a great sense of pride.
Classic lines
michaelsfirakis24 April 2006
Robert: "Why you pointing that big chicken at me?" Memaw: "That not a chicken,it's a camera." Robert: "It doesn't look like a camera, it looks like a big chicken."
Robert: "Indians don't exist anymore!!!"
Robanna Magova: "I just got my curves."
Robanna: "You stop this car. You let me out of this car right now!!"
MeMaw: "I was trying to make her a beauty queen. From this picture, you can see I was doing a good job."
Robert: "Give me a bow and arrow, I need to shoot myself."
Buek: "My name is not Kaleb"
Robert: "Indians don't exist anymore!!!"
Robanna Magova: "I just got my curves."
Robanna: "You stop this car. You let me out of this car right now!!"
MeMaw: "I was trying to make her a beauty queen. From this picture, you can see I was doing a good job."
Robert: "Give me a bow and arrow, I need to shoot myself."
Buek: "My name is not Kaleb"
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