Cross between Dead Poets Society and Scent of a Woman. Boy (Rob Brown) finds mentoring from cranky, brilliant teacher (Sean Connery). The boy is a 16 year old African American, Connery is a reclusive writer, both are in the Bronx. The kid is brilliant, Connery responds, they become soul mates and F. Murray Abrahamson is the evil prep school teacher who tries to stop the boy (who is also a good basketball player).
How many ways this movie could have become soggy, sappy, just another Hollywood feel-good movie? Both Brown and Connery give understated performances. Both are on the screen for long periods and carry out their roles well, making this an incredibly compelling movie. Gus Van Sant directed.
I hope Brown continues acting. He was wonderful.
