Backdrop preview The Magic Boy's Easter backdrop
The Magic Boy's Easter

The Magic Boy's Easter (1989)

Mar 01, 1989 25m Drama

12-year-old Josh has a crippling disease in his leg and is cynical about the abilities of his doctor to assist him. After a visit from a Magician, he has a vivid dream in which he discovers that he doesn't need to be alone and that miracles are real. His faith in Jesus Christ is renewed and Josh wakes up with confidence that a miracle can save his leg.

Directed by John Meredyth Lucas

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • John Meredyth Lucas
  • Marc Daniels
Writer
  • Richard Wendley

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Magic Boy's Easter examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director John Meredyth Lucas brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1989, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Magic Boy's Easter took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 25 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 84 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 1541 individual shots.
  • The musical score contains over 62 unique compositions.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1989, when this film was released:
  • Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
  • MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Magic Boy's Easter shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Egg, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Magic Boy's Easter subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Passion of the Christ and The Prestige explore similar territory, The Magic Boy's Easter stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: March 1, 1989
  • Runtime: 25m

Similar Movies