A Kid Called Troy

An intensely honest portrayal of Troy, an articulate, charming 7-year-old Australian boy who was infected with HIV by his mother while yet unborn, A Kid Called Troy, narrated by Troy's father Vince, traces the boy's deterioration from an energetic, playful youngster to a sickly but brave fragile bundle. We see Troy at school, at home, in the hospital, and traveling through the outback doing AIDS awareness seminars with his father. Interviews with the people closest to the family are honest and illuminating, and even Troy speaks rather graphically about the disease that sucks the life from him. Unabashedly emotional and personal, the film draws the viewer into the struggles and joys of Troy and his father (although not everyone may agree with all of Vince's parenting decisions or believe that his son is as consistently inspirational as he appears). However, Troy's statement, "just because you're HIV positive doesn't mean it's the end of your life," resonates throughout this portrait of a family facing incurable pain. Unpleasant medical scenes and some nudity may be inappropriate for younger viewers. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (E. Gieschen)