You are here:

Boys

Name: Boys
Director: Jan Verheyen
Released: 1992
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

4.1/10

Fair

1992

Director

Jan Verheyen

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Boys disrupts conservative social norms through its comedic exploration of sexuality and professional identity. It presents a nuanced spectrum of masculinity that avoids rigid patriarchal stereotypes. However, the film remains limited by a lack of significant LGBTQ+ and racial diversity. Its narrative structure is deeply localized, focusing on a homogeneous Flemish demographic without broader multicultural representation.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Boys have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on male friendships that explore unconventional masculinity. Although there are no explicit LGBTQ+ storylines, the movie hints at male intimacy and bodily autonomy, suggesting a move away from strict assumptions about straight relationships.

How does Boys portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on the professional roles and personal interactions of two men. Women appear in minor roles, while the film explores a range of masculinity from responsible to decadent.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Boys?

Limited

The film depicts a largely homogeneous society typical of 1992 Flemish cinema. There is no indication of multicultural integration or a diverse cast reflecting Belgium's social structures.

How does Boys represent religion and culture?

Good

The plot contrasts progressive commercialism with traditionalist morality through comedy, challenging established social norms and workplace hierarchies.

Does Boys include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Explores a wide range of masculinity beyond traditional stoic archetypes.
Challenges conservative social norms and traditionalist workplace hierarchies through comedy.
Offers a nuanced look at male friendship and unconventional social bonding.

Limited or Absent

Does not feature explicit LGBTQ+ storylines or characters.
Has a homogeneous cast with minimal racial or ethnic diversity.
Female characters are given secondary or supporting roles.

Official Synopsis

In this light-hearted low-budget comedy, two very different Flemish tween bachelors are best buds. Peter is a responsible professional, who's excited to get his first proper account as copy-writer in a small Belgian publicity firm- for condoms, a product the conservative boss dreads as slightly obscene. Tom however is a dare-all without much sense of decency, who earns his living as process-server and repo-man for a judicial bailiff. In their free time they're nearly inseparable, Tom cheering up his somewhat gloomy realistic friend and urging him to take silly risks during a weekend at the seaside and even cheat on his steady girlfriend. When the graphics department refuses to execute Peters idea for the condom campaign without a live male model, only Tom is pleasantly mad enough to pose stark-naked.

How are these scores produced? →