Kraftprobe in den Bergen

This is basically a character-driven thriller exploring some routine familial issues between a middle-class father and his two sons. I say routine, because the conflicts are reasonably familiar: the father's having a mid-life, extra-marital fling; one son's gay; and the other son's bogged down in his own suburban mediocrity; not to mention that the whole drama takes place overnight in the woods, an almost absurd setting for all the abounding macho bonding. In spite of this theatrical, TV-movie veneer, RITES OF PASSAGE is still a satisfying low-budget feature thanks to a very appealing cast and the mature, sure-handed direction of Victor Salva (POWDER). It's an involving little ensemble drama with an amazing amount of tension and truth. No small mention should be made of Jason Behr, a WB-TV pretty-boy type who really carries the picture with a surprisingly inspired performance; although a lot of sympathy for his character is still a result of his physical appeal, he does a very good job here alongside excellent performers like Dean Stockwell and James Remar. Still, I doubt if a lot of the enthusiasm for this film would be there without Behr's good looks. In spite of what I've read in a few of the other reviews, the little bit of violence and profanity in this picture are of the PG-13 variety; as a matter of fact, it could have been a bit more aggressive with it's sexuality and brutality in order to intensify the motivations culminating in this one-night, boys-to-men catharsis. I'll tell you, though, it's too bad family crises aren't this easily resolved by a boy's night out in the woods.

a family crisis. two strangers. the past as start point for intense confrontation. one of films who could be only a nice try for define the impact of difficulties to assume family values. and only a strange pressure saves the situation. it is one of films who propose characters more than a story. and the characters are only senders of words, accusation, victims of the circle of personal interests. each actor does a decent work and the effort of Victor Salva to give a coherent picture of fight,force of danger,the sentimental derive, confession and the expected verdict is OK. and the basic virtue is the reassembles with a Tchekov play. same need of truth, vulnerabilities, wrong options and the flavor of end. same game of words for protect fragile position. so, a decent drama.

This was a very good film. The characters are very well developed and you also feel a certain emotion for each one. My particular favorite was the lead character, Campbell Faraday (Jason Behr). This film holds a lot of tension and there are quite a bit of twists also.

If you are in the mood for a good thrill ride, go rent this movie.

**** out of **** stars.

Also recommended: The River Wild

The theme is old by now: estrangement between a gay son and his father. However, this issue is only a part of a complex web of surprises that creates a very entertaining thriller. This is a beautiful film, not just about sexuality, but about relationships. My wife and I were captivated with the story, sitting on pins and needles waiting to see how it would end. Highly recommended.

It's a pity that RITE OF PASSAGE is not more widely available and never received the praise it deserves. This is a complex film - an unusual mix of thriller and family drama. Queer cinema fans will like this one because of the matter of fact presentation of the sexuality of the leading character Cambell (intelligently played by Jason Behr.) Although this is Behr's film, he's in terrific company throughout, especially with veteran Dean Stockwell as his tough-as-nails dad. Watching these two come to terms (as well as Cam's brother), is the film's main dramatic thrust. The thriller elements are far from ignored, however. There are plot twists and turns a-plenty (only one of which seemed a bit contrived) and the story is a virtual roller-coaster of emotions. If you can get it on DVD, Behr and Salva provide an insightful commentary track and give you a glimpse of some more plot devices (and some super performances) left on the cutting room floor.