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My Childhood is a British film from 1972 directed by Bill Douglas. It is a semi-autobiographical story set in the working-class mining community of Newcraighall, Scotland, during the 1940s. The film follows the life of an eleven-year-old boy named Jamie (played by Stephen Archibald) and the challenges he faces growing up in poverty during and after World War II.

Jamie lives with his father (Hughie Restorick), who suffers from intense PTSD as a result of his service in the war, and his grandmother (Jean Taylor Smith), who is bedridden and struggling with dementia. Jamie's mother is absent and he longs for her return. The film captures the bleakness and despair of the boy's everyday life, including his struggles at school, where he is bullied and ridiculed for his poverty.

Despite the many hardships he experiences, Jamie finds solace in his love of nature, particularly his fascination with birds. He spends much of his time exploring the surrounding fields and forests, and he often shares his observations and insights with his grandmother, who is enchanted by his passion.

Throughout the film, the tone alternates between moments of intense sadness, including a heart-wrenching scene in which Jamie's father attempts suicide, and instances of hope and tenderness. Jamie's relationship with his grandmother is particularly touching, as she offers the young boy the unconditional love and support he so desperately needs.

The film is shot in stark black and white and uses music sparingly, which adds to its haunting and austere atmosphere. The cinematography is particularly striking, with long takes and meticulously composed shots that capture the bleak beauty of the Scottish landscape.

My Childhood was the first film in a trilogy of works by Bill Douglas that explored his own life experiences. The subsequent films, My Ain Folk (1973) and My Way Home (1978), continue Jamie's story as he grows into adolescence and adulthood.

Overall, My Childhood is a poignant and deeply moving portrait of a young boy's struggles to survive in the harsh reality of post-war Scotland. Stephen Archibald delivers a remarkable performance as Jamie, and the film is a testament to Bill Douglas's skill as a filmmaker and storyteller. It is a timeless and unforgettable work that remains a powerful testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity.

My Childhood is a 1972 drama with a runtime of 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.