|
|
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A cinematic, socially relevant masterpiece., February 8, 2002
In general, the best of films evoke many emotions. However, can a film actually be life-chaging, or perhaps even life-saving?
I remember hearing about this film when it first came out in theatres. It never occured to me that I should see this; I was a 14-year-old who was just starting high school. In that manner, the opportunity passed up. I wouldn't think of the film for another six years, until a reccomendation at this website rekindled my interest. I rented it, saw it, and was blown over. Angus Bethune, good at science and at fooball, is the punch line of school jokes. Rick Sanford, American can-do-ism at its worst. I thought I was seeing myself in that film, in the character of Angus Bethune. Yet, I didn't have weight problems, attitude, or bullies like he did. Why then did I sympathize?
Indeed, Angus is not like the other glut of teen films that came out well after it. In fact, one could argue it's the perfect anti-teen-film. It doesn't resort to superficial conventions nor does it go for the underlying cynicism. It takes the issues of alienation, loneliness, determination, and the need for direction in a world full of ideas and ideologies with heart, wit, humor, and accessibility.
Patrick Read Johnson (who did a marvelous job directing this film) did the right thing to deviate from the teen film construct and focus on the character-driven narrative. In an interview I read, he explained that teens were not pleased with this film, but older audiences enjoyed it. He then gives the reason: Teens want to be entertained; they don't want to be EXPOSED.
Many non-teens who have seen this film would concur. They remember those tumultuous, confusing times in high school, where they felt alone and ashamed. This film was a testament of those feelings. The director himself was approached by teachers that have used the film to describe these tribulations and the importance of understanding each other, in light of these times where "high-school-shootouts" are all the fashion. Several films present Columbine-like events; could Angus have prevented it all-together? Who knows.
I don't think I'll ever see another film that's this moving. Perhaps after time to reflect, we'll appreciate this film as a revelation of courage and hope.
EDIT: Why is there no DVD? This film should not be disposed of along with the increasingly forgotten VHS format. A DVD for this great film is a must!
|