Watch Spud

Spud is a coming-of-age comedy-drama film that was released in 2010. It stars John Cleese, Troye Sivan, and Jamie Royal in lead roles. The story revolves around Spud Milton (Troye Sivan), a 13-year-old boy who joins an elite private school in South Africa. The movie is set in the early 1990s, during the turbulent period of South African history when Nelson Mandela was released from prison and apartheid was slowly coming to an end.

Spud is a misfit in his new school and struggles to fit in with the other boys. He is constantly bullied and ridiculed due to his small size and lack of athletic abilities. However, he finds solace in his love for literature and writing.

The film follows Spud's journey as he navigates through the ups and downs of his first year at school. He befriends Rambo (Jamie Royal), a rebellious student who becomes his closest friend, and Gecko (Sven Ruygrok), a boy who is always high on drugs.

At the same time, Spud has to deal with his dysfunctional family. His father (Aaron McIlroy) is an alcoholic and his mother (Julie Summers) suffers from depression, which adds to Spud's woes.

The film is directed by Donovan Marsh and is based on a novel by John van de Ruit. John Cleese plays the role of The Guv, the school's eccentric English teacher who takes Spud under his wing and encourages his passion for writing.

The movie is a heartwarming and poignant tale of teenage angst, self-discovery and the struggles of growing up in a society that is undergoing radical changes. It captures the essence of South Africa in the 90s, with its racial tensions, political turmoil and cultural diversity.

The performances in the film are outstanding. Troye Sivan, in his debut role, delivers a nuanced and sensitive portrayal of Spud. He captures the innocence and vulnerability of his character and makes the audience root for him. Jamie Royal is equally impressive as Rambo, the tough-talking rebel with a heart of gold. John Cleese steals the show with his impeccable comic timing and wit, bringing his signature brand of humor to the role of The Guv.

The cinematography is breathtaking, with stunning shots of the South African landscape and the school's beautiful architecture. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring a mix of classic songs from the 90s and original compositions.

Overall, Spud is a charming and engaging film that will resonate with anyone who has gone through the joys and pains of adolescence. It is a timeless tale of friendship, courage, and the power of literature to inspire and transform our lives. If you haven't seen it yet, it is definitely worth a watch.

Spud is a 2014 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.