Kisses

A contemporary Irish fairytale about two runaway kids who spend a night in Dublin, Kisses begins in grim black and white the way The Wizard of Oz begins in Kansas. A few days before Christmas 12-year-old Dylan evades his violent father with the help of Kylie, his friend next door. The two head to town to find Dylan's brother. Their adventure is laced with magic – they spend their stolen dosh on wheelies and zip through the streets as if on enchanted shoes – and fraught with danger. The strengthening rapport of young newcomers Kelly O'Neill, all bravado and bad language, and Shane Curry, not so plucky, gives the film its glow. Dylan's namesake Bob contributes generously to the soundtrack to clinch the affecting mix of soulfulness and grit. (Source: NZ International Film Festival)

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