Superb and personal coming-of-age tale from writer-director James Gray whose films have focused largely on the New York immigrant experience and the ties that bind. This story takes place over two months, from the start of school to the election of Ronald Reagan, during which time young Paul Graff of a middle class family befriends the sole black kid in his class, and the pair’s escapades are set against the backdrop of the election. Featuring an excellent casting including Antony Hopkins as the grandfather, whose advice contributes to the boy’s gradual loss of innocence.

Notes by Alicia McGivern