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BEN X

Directed by Nic Balthazar
  • YEAR 6 - FILM 9 / 
  • Belgium / 
  • Dutch with English subtitles / 
  • 93 Minutes
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Synopsis

Ben is different. His life is a universe all to itself, where he avidly plays his favorite on-line computer game in an attempt to train for and block out the reality of his daily experiences.  Ben has Asperger's Syndrome, a mild form of autism that prevents normal communication and makes him ideal fodder for all the school bullies.  As the bullies' relentless attacks push him over the edge and out of control, his on-line dream girl, Scarlite, appears to him and helps him devise a perfect plan to confront the bullies and make them pay for their torment. Director Nic Balthazar's dazzling debut blends fantasy and harsh social realism, based on a true story, to bring us an utterly original and important film.

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Editorial Reviews

A galvanizing portrait of autism and its profound impact on both the autistic person and their families and community, Ben X boldly melds virtual reality with live-action vérité style and docudrama to create what may be a new film grammar. Inspired by actual events – the suicide of a mildly autistic Belgian student who was virtually harassed to death - first-time director Nic Balthazar has adapted his book and his stage play without committing the sins of over-exposition and staginess those provenances can spawn.

--Denis Seguin/ Screen Daily - Review



The Best Teen Movie Since Donnie Darko.

--Brian Miller/Village Voice - Review

New York Magazine

Strong...A terrific cast!

--New York Magazine - Review

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Customer Reviews


Jeff in Seattle - Customer Review
Ben X is a great film! Ben X ia about an austictic teenager named Ben dealing with the constant teasing and bullying from his peers. "Asking and begging" for people to stop treating Ben as an outcast. Typically this falls on deaf ears. How does one bring about real change in society? Well, "somebody has to die". This is a great selection from Film Movement. If you are still interested in autism, check out Film Movement's documentary, "Her Name is Sabine" (Year 5, Film 11).

Photos

Click photo to enlarge. Then copy as you would any online image.
Ben (Greg Timmermans) being tormented
Ben (Greg Timmermans) shooting a crossbow
Ben (Greg Timmermans) with Scarlite (Laura Verlinden) in his fantasy world
Ben (Greg Timmermans) and Scarlite (Laura Verlinden) overlooking the water
Ben (Greg Timmermans) and Scarlite (Laura Verlinden)
Ben (Greg Timmermans) with his animated avatar
Ben X Poster

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