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

4 wins & 9 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 | mother son relationship | loss of father | autism | teacher student relationship | 

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Taglines:

There is no formula for love.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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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 USA:

$31,408, 13 September 2015, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$139,511, 4 October 2015

Company Credits

Production Co:

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

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This is a project selected at 2013 Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing Forum in Hong Kong.

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Goofs

Immediately before the Olympiad begins, a team is huddled together and shout in unison, "Aussie aussie aussie, oi, oi, oi!" A familiar cry for Australians especially at sporting events, the group disbands and they are actually New Zealanders not Australians (Aussies). They wear the "All Blacks" of New Zealand colour and have Kiwi motifs on their shirts.

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Quotes

Julie: When somebody says they love you it means they see something in you they think is worth something... It adds value to you.

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Connections

References Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

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Soundtracks

Returns
Written and performed by Keaton Henson
Published by Copyright Control
Licensed courtesy of Keaton Henson

User Reviews

A Forgettable Film

This movie has great value: acting, directing, editing, even the dialogue is good. But where's the plot? Is the central conflict that he has Asperger's, or that his dad died, or that he's mean to his mom, or that he's in this math competition? I couldn't tell, and either could the movie. In the end the main character shows a little emotion and violin music plays and I'm supposed to give this movie 10 stars? Sorry, I hate to say it but this movie is premised on the fact that people will give it high ratings because it's about a kid with mental problems. It's like Blood Diamond, because I'm supposed to feel bad I'm not supposed to say anything bad about the movie. Well the problem with this movie was lack of plot and story... nothing happens and none of the conflicts in the movie resolve at all. There's no tension to any of the scenes, despite the theatrical music that plays throughout, because the only thing that can/does happen in this movie is the main character not understanding or being able to function in social situations. Which doesn't make for a very good plot. 6/10 stars: an enjoyable movie that you'll forget in 10 minutes.