Straßenkinder

This movie is a classic example of what a bunch of talented actors can do without being showcased. Most of the cast in this film have gone on to become bigger stars (some MUCH bigger as in the case of Will Smith) in far bigger budget movies, but they'll all have this one to look back on as something to be truly proud of. Sure, one can quibble with the fact that these people, despite being "glammed down" for the street look, are better looking than "real" homeless youths, but this is Hollywood after all. A promising feature from director Marc Rocco, who went on to make another movie, and now I haven't seen anything from him for half-a-decade. What happened?

I absolutely love this film but I can only watch it once a year because it makes me so sad, I have never cried so much in a film ever, I'm left a nervous wreck, I don't know if it's because I'm happy or sad the way things worked out, but my hat is off to the writer, director, and all the actors, especially Sean Astin's portrayal of Greg. Very emotional film, I suggest you don't watch it alone, as you need to have someone with you to laugh and cry with! Extraordinary filmmaking!

I pretty much rented this movie because the cast on the cover was rather impressive, and one of the people I work for told me it was really good. All I can say is, those people that raved about Kids have no idea what they are talking about, this is a much more realistic and true look at life on the street than Kids ever was. Small parts from Will Smith and Alyssa Milano (you won't recognize her till you see her name in the credits at the end) stand out strongly and Sean Astin gives a very good performance that is unlike most of the films you would see him in (Rudy for example). I really don't want to give away anything about the plot because I rented it not knowing hardly anything about it and I think that's the way it should be watched. This is just a flat out great movie.

This overlooked film about teens surviving on the streets of Los Angeles came and went pretty quickly when initially released. Pity, because it's a film that deserves a wider audience. Within the device of a journalist doing interviews as research for an article on runaways, we're introduced to a band of teens who have formed a defacto family and the various situations they encounter on the street. King(Durmont Mulroney)is the leader and protector of an assortment of kids that include druggie Greg(Sean Astin), Little J(Balthasar Getty), smart-mouthed Brenda(Ricki Lake), and newcomer Heather(Lara Flynn Boyle), whom King takes a shine to. The film follows then through their days of riding boxcars, sleeping under overpasses, and hanging out in public places while avoiding cops, drug dealers, and pimps. While the film downplays some aspects of the streets( the violence and emotional devastation of child prostitution is acknowledged but not conveyed directly), others are show with uncomfortable intensity. For some of these kids, it's a one-way trip down. Sean Austin's fate as the speed-freak Greg is disturbing; the final shot of his character in the film haunted me for days.

It bears repeating, I absolutely loved this movie! It is one of my favorite movies of all time! I admit that initially I only wanted to see it because of Balthazar Getty, but it has so many great stars! Everyone does a fabulous job. Great story and characters. I have nothing to base this on, but it seems really realistic. There is some humor and some really sad parts. The director and writer Marc Rocco gives them a lot to work with. I don't see how anyone could not like this movie. Dermot Mulroney, Balthazar Getty, Sean Astin and Lara Flynn Boyle give fantastic performances! I highly recommend this movie! It does make you appreciate what you have and makes you realize how some people, kids, can end up and what can happen to them. Awesome flick!