Based on the classic Michael Noonan novel, December Boys is the story of four orphan teenagers growing up behind the closed doors of a Catholic convent in outback Australia during the 1960’s.. As the boys watch younger kids get adopted by loving families, they begin to realise that as they get older, their turn may never come.. When the convent sends the boys to visit the seaside one summer, they finally have something to look forward to.. While at the seaside, the boys meet a young couple unable to have children, who would make the perfect parents..

Rated: [ PG ] Mild Sexual References, Mild Nudity, Mild Violence and Coarse Language

Cinema release: 20th September 2007

Running time: 102 mins

Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Teresa Palmer, Jack Thompson

Daniel Radcliffe, international superstar of the Harry Potter franchise and recently notable for his full - frontal onstage exposition in a British production of Equus, is determined not to be remembered as The Boy Who Lived forever.. Joining an all - Australian cast for his first major on - screen role without a wand the 16 - year-old actor tones down the wizardry in favour of the simple magic of love and friendship..

Based on a classic novel by Michael Noonan, December Boys centres around four boys - so named because of their birth month - and their shared memory of a 1960’s summer that will never be forgotten.. Maps ( Daniel Radcliffe ), Misty ( Lee Cormie ), Spark ( Christian Byers ) and Spit ( James Fraser ) are orphan boys growing up in the sparse environment of an outback Catholic convent.. When happenstance allows the convent to send the boys on a holiday by the sea they meet a young couple unable to have children who could just provide the family they have been missing..

Bowing out of the race to be most adoptable Maps focuses his attention on the love of another, Lucy ( Teresa Palmer ), a stunning girl visiting from the coast.. The summer will test the boys’ bonds as feelings of rejection bubble to the surface and they lay the foundation for their lives to come..

In this moving coming - of - age story the young male ensemble delivers at one time a simple harmonious message of love and friendship, while at others a joyous cacophony of captivating youthfulness.. An outright religiosity permeates the film, deepening the feelings of nostalgia in those who similarly remember ‘ penguins ‘ stamping the halls.. Director Rod Hardy takes a back - seat approach, confident in the story’s universal appeal and the poetic visuals of the incredible locations.. Care has been taken with everything from costume to soundtrack to transport audiences into the world, and is appreciated well beyond the screen..

Harry watchers may be put off by the quiet Australianness of Radcliffe’s most recent production.. Yet this remains a delightful and rewarding vision for all ages..

I give December Boys 3.5 out of 5..