Reel Causes: The Foster Boy

As harrowing as it is beautiful, this poignant drama is Switzerland’s biggest domestic box office hit to date. Set in the 1950s, it tells the story of an orphan boy named Max who is sent to a foster home when his mother dies, and soon after contracted out to work on a farm. But instead of finding affection and acceptance from the Bosiger family, they treat him as little more than an animal. For Max, playing the accordion is the one thing that is entirely his. It gives him the courage and self-esteem he needs to survive. He also values his friendship with Berteli, another orphan working on the farm. At school the two children learn about Argentina, a country of meat and accordions. It becomes their fantasy land of promise and hope.