Millions (2004, UK) *****

Millions Millions faithfully aims right at the heart – emotionally and otherwise, but so doing without much melodrama and preaching. Director Danny Boyle skillfully uses a host of visual cinematic tools to convey Frank Cottrell Boyce’s novel (and screenplay) in a manner that engages adults as well as older children. It tells the story of 9 yo Damian, a devout Catholic boy, who is fascinated by saints to a point he knows them all by name, years alive, and the miracles they performed. Damian, wonderfully played by Alexander Etel, is accompanies by his older brother and his father, following the passing away of his mom. The story, though simple, includes some interesting plot twists. It is not a children film nor a Christian fable but rather a direct, even if seemingly naïve, examination of the way we justify our actions, respect others and struggle, mostly with little success, to maintain what we believe are our core values.