PBS’ ‘Country Boys’ could be about all boys

Why spend six precious hours immersing yourself in the lives of two young Appalachian teenagers as they go through the often mundane motions of turning from boys into men?

Because it is a privilege to do so. Or rather, filmmaker David Sutherland makes it a privilege to walk side by side with Chris Johnson and Cody Perkins during crucial years that will steer the trajectory of their lives in “Country Boys.”

Thanks to Sutherland’s eye and ear for detail, we form an impression of Chris and Cody, their vulnerabilities and their potential, in the first half-hour of this three-night “Frontline” presentation on PBS.

Nothing is special about either boy, except insofar as there is something special about every boy.

Sutherland insinuates himself so deeply into our empathies that we find ourselves responding to Cody and Chris like the nurturing parents that neither boy had.

Yes, there are moments when the hollers of eastern Kentucky seem about as removed from our realm of understanding as the earthquake-ravaged areas of Pakistan. But more likely, especially if you are a male – in particular, one who grew up among broken families – you will have “there but for the grace of God” moments watching “Country Boys.”

Alcohol, drugs, teenage pregnancy, emotionally needy parents, the loss of a job. Any one of these things can make the difference between happiness and misery no matter who you are.

Chris and Cody are fortunate to attend a private school where they are mentored by teachers who are ready to give them every opportunity to succeed.

There is nothing special about these mentors, either. That, I think, is the message of “Country Boys,” as it challenges us to pay closer attention to the children coming of age around us.