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"Ira Sachs is gradually becoming the quintessential auteur of today's New York … luminous characterizations and big-hearted filmmaking." – Vulture
When shy but creative 13-year-olds Jake and Tony are thrown together by circumstance – Jake's parents inherited the building that Tony's mother has a small dress shop in – they quickly form a friendship that transcends their vastly different cultural and economic backgrounds. The inseparable duo can't wait to head to a local arts high school together, but when Jake's parents threaten to evict Tony's mum if she doesn't pay a massively increased rent, the two boys will find their bond challenged by forces beyond their control or understanding.
An acutely observed, compassionate parable of a New York increasingly defined by gentrification and financial precariousness, Little Men is the latest cinematic chamber piece from Ira Sachs (Love is Strange, MIFF 2014; Keep the Lights On, MIFF 2012). Driven by knockout performances from newcomers Theo Taplitz and Michael Barbieri as the idealistic Jake and Tony, with fine support from the adults including MIFF 2013 guest Paulina García, Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Ehle and Alfred Molina, it's a heartbreaking yet gently optimistic vision of youthful friendship and the many-faced burdens of maturity.
