unbelievably close real life feelings emotions captured joseph mazzello hemophiliac child affected aids new young neighbor wannabe tough redneck played perfection brad renfro although story may seem slightly farfetched the two boys attempt riverraft several hundred miles find doctor claims cure aids emotion actions interactions characters involved tragically close real life big brother boy similar situation died years film released strongly recommend picture anyone ever wondered really happens life child aids superb direction peter horton creates perfect mood setting scene draws viewer various emotions affected friendship illness prejudice final parting two friends fought hard overcome adversity