I have mixed feelings about this film. On the one hand, it can be interesting or informative to an outsider of Autism/Asperger’s and perchance relatable to those familiar with said conditions. But, on the other hand, it feels kinda forced, sorta unrealistic and rather unfinished. Why Rotten Tomatoes? Why 86%?!
Inspired by real events, A Brilliant Young Mind follows the relationship between an Autistic student and his clicheingly (is that a word?) troubled teacher – whose roles are often reversed which makes you ponder and all that shizz.
Moreover, obviously looking to please a broad audience, it taps into the unfathomable power and experience of first love – a possible explanation of the overly generous 86%.
Now, of the many aspects that don’t work this film…
One, how do all of the Chinese students speak perfect English? That, I can tell you from first-hand experience is not how it is. Two, Nathan isn’t “close” with his mother. Well, in the sense that he was with his deceased father (sorry, not much of a spoiler). And as awkward as their relationship is to watch, with his mother frustratingly trying and trying and trying to win him over – to the point where she is stuffing fries up her nostrils, yep – nothing happens. Actually, the relationships (except for the minor exception of Nathan and Jo’s) go nowhere. The characters don’t change from beginning to end. I’m no writing expert but isn’t that, like, a major requirement? Which brings me to my next point…The characters are shallow. For example, Nathan’s mum has just one expression: a sort-of chirpy desperation which she wears from beginning to finish. Lastly, I felt awful for that show-offy (though he couldn’t help it? He was clearly troubled) kid who everyone ended up shunning in the end. Whatever happened to him? Last we saw, he was cutting himself? Where is my closure Mr. Director? Where?
All in all, it’s watchable and at times even sweet. It can allow you to think outside of your own perception and into the lives of those living with/around “disorder” or help you relate your own personal experiences if you’re already familiar but as farm as e film goes, it does not break new cement. In my South African bestie’s lingo, “no ways”.
2.9/5
iaccidentlyatethewholething 
Thanks for the review! I found it interesting in the sense that when reading it, I agreed with you on many points, but, simultaneously, disagreed as well. I’ll explain to you what I mean by this. On the one hand, I also thought that the movie was cliched (the troubled teacher) and unrealistic in regard to romance and the language material that you mentioned above to some extent, at least from a non-Asperger’s point of view. However, having Asperger’s Syndrome myself and viewing the film in the context of my own experiences, I believe that the director may have unintentionally done a good job of showing Nathan’s romance based on the point of view of an individual on the autism spectrum. It is because someone with Asperger’s Syndrome might have different expectations and a bit of idealism in regard to romance, particularly if he or she has very little experience with it.
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That makes perfect sense! Thanks so much for your input :) I hope I did not offend you or anyone else in any way :)
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Thanks so much! Your quite welcome. No offense taken at all :)
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