-
Business Doc Europe Nov 14, 2021
Mark Adams
"An inspirational, moving and ultimately uplifting film telling the unlikely story of a compassionate headmaster determined to change fortunes on an inner-city all-boys primary school and who turns to the wisdom of the ancient Greek philosophers, Young Plato is a breezy and powerful documentary that tackles big issues with a gentle touch as young minds learn to embrace challenging ideas."
READ MORE
-
CHRIS KNIPP Nov 16, 2021
Chris Knipp
A bold and remarkable project. An unexpected rock star among this year's documentaries.
READ MORE
-
Film Review Daily Mar 9, 2022
Mansel Stimpson
'Neasa Ní Chaináin and Declan McGrath’s outstanding documentary reveals the positive impact of a Belfast headmaster with an approach all his own.'
READ MORE
-
Sunday TImes Mar 15, 2022
Edward Porter
…heartening to witness. Encouraging children to avoid conflict has a particular relevance in Belfast, of course, but I’d be happy to see McArevey’s methods used in schools everywhere.
READ MORE
-
The Guardian Mar 8, 2022
Peter Bradshaw
This engaging documentary follows a primary school head who uses classical thinkers to teach new ways of defusing violence
READ MORE
-
EYE FOR FILM Mar 11, 2022
Amber Wilkinson
A hopeful, heartening film that features plenty of observations from the children that put adults to shame.”
“It would make a great double bill with Kenneth Branagh's recent Belfast - which is also a largely child's eye view, focused on the start of The Troubles - as it explores the legacy that continues to impact the community today.”READ MORE
-
SCREEN DAILY Feb 24, 2022
Allan Hunter
“Inspiring primary school principal anchors heartrending documentary set in Northern Ireland.”
“Observant without feeling exploitative, the unassuming Young Plato eavesdrops on a number of situations in which individual children are challenged on their behaviour or nurtured in their better instincts. Moments of genuine remorse or growing understanding make for emotional viewing. The positivity of Young Plato is highly engaging, but the directors also ensure we have a sense of what is at stake here.”
“By the time McArevey drives home from work to the sounds of Presley’s ‘If I Can Dream’ there isunlikely to be a dry eye in the house.”READ MORE
-
SCREEN FISH Nov 16, 2021
Steve Norton
"A remarkable story of hope and healing."
"With compassion and love, Young Plato truly is an experience to behold."READ MORE
-
BACKSEAT MAFIA Mar 8, 2022
Rob Aldam
… a stark reminder of the impact of generational violence. The lasting legacy of those dark times has been imprinted on those who witnessed them and their offspring. Young Plato is a sobering and emotive film about someone desperate to help make a change.
READ MORE
-
MODERN TIMES REVIEW Mar 14, 2022
Margareta Hruza
The style of direct cinema does not allow explanatory commentaries or interviews where context can be explained. The directors, Neasa Ní Chianáin and Declan McGrath, along with the editor, Philippe Ravoet, have tackled this challenge creatively by using several inventive ways to incorporate archives and explanatory information into the storyline without interrupting the flow of the narrative.
READ MORE
-
FILM THREAT Apr 6, 2022
Ray Lobo
"Ní Chianáin and McGrath excel in putting the school and its staff within the larger context of Northern Ireland’s recent bloody history."
"Compelling."
READ MORE
-
IRISH FILM CRITIC Nov 18, 2021
Eamonn Tracy
A touching portrait of an inspirational headmaster
READ MORE
-
SEVENTH ROW Nov 23, 2021
Alex Heeney
Young Plato shows that school can’t end where recess begins: what happens in the classroom affects what happens outside of it, and it’s the teacher’s responsibility to help make that outside world safer for everyone
READ MORE
-
SILVER LININGS REVIEWS Nov 30, 2021
Noah Rame
"Inspiring."
"A philosophically inspiring tale about the power of the mind over brawns."READ MORE
-
NY IRISH ARTS Dec 31, 2021
Shani Friedman
"Riveting." "This lovely and moving portrait will leave you feeling inspired and more hopeful about the fractured world we’re living in, and the younger generations inheriting it."
READ MORE
-
TOTALLY DUBLIN May 18, 2022
Michael McDermott
Young Plato is a sensitive, enlightening and uplifting portrait of young kids grappling with emotions and their own personal journeys through life.
READ MORE
-
THE IRISH NEWS May 18, 2022
David Roy
“If, as Plato said, "the direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life", then the compelling documentary Young Plato suggests that the pupils of Holy Cross Boys Primary School now have a much brighter future thanks to the inspirational work of Kevin McArevey and his staff.”
READ MORE
-
VERVE TIMES Mar 8, 2022
Craig Fedirighi
…the school is no more dysfunctional than any other institution and a lot more intelligent and self-questioning than many. A very engaging film.”
READ MORE
-
FAR OUT MAGAZINE Mar 11, 2022
Calum Russell
What results is an utterly compelling documentary that breaks down a problem and offers a solution much like an educational lesson, teaching its subjects and the audience with encouraging thought and discussion
READ MORE
-
THE REVIEWS HUB Mar 11, 2022
Richard Maguire
An intriguing experiment. Without a narrator or even on-screen text this observational documentary is very intimate, its lens so close to the boys’ faces that tears of shame and frustration are clearly visible
READ MORE
-
IRISH CENTRAL Nov 11, 2021
Cahir O'Doherty
Plato once said that the highest end a person can ever attain is to sit down and contemplate the good. This film, this school, this man, and these pupils have already started that work and the good that they contemplate will obviously live long after them." "Remarkable
READ MORE