Rites of Passage

Not many films are as honest and raw as this. Not many films would care enough for the underprivileged, unappreciated, ignored society we're too quick to label in Australia's poor suburbs. What this film does is question our roles as parents.

While the kids go through a series of self discoveries, though journeys they're not even aware they're on, we see their lives are heading for a place that is a bleak, hopeless and destructive. There's no guiding light for them here. Life is it's greatest teacher and the movie, to it's wonderful credit, doesn't do it in a sentimental way but in an intimate, truthful approach we see and feel them find out for themselves. It doesn't come without costs. Not everyone comes out of it unscathed.

The cast mostly comprises of real kids in similar situations and circumstances the movie presents and Director Phil Crawford does a terrific job in cutting the fat and passing no judgement on their actions-rather he presents it just as fact.

Kudos must go to everyone involved with this film. It experiments with shooting styles that on paper you may question but on this film it succeeds. A brave, fearless piece of film-making that deserves to be seen as a counterpoint to how most Australian films potray us to be.

Houso's shows us a kind of over the top satire of this community but if you want to dig deeper you couldn't ask for a better tour than this little gem. Great work.

This was a great movie, really interesting stories and characters. I'm very impressed that the movie was made by people without film/script experience. I would have liked to know more about what happened in some of the stories, as they got me hooked! It took a little while to get a grasp of the weaving of the stories, though it wasn't long before it was easy to follow the various plot lines.

It was awesome to see a variety of local people and places. The project guidelines have allowed the audience to hear some fantastic perspectives that may have otherwise been unseen and unheard. Referencing the production through including screening at the end gave a bit of an insight into the work that went on to get the movie up and running. Well done to all the cast and crew.

genius ! Unscripted & so achieves poignant reality within each scene by using cinematographic techniques to grab the viewer and pull them into the life of each young person. Rites Of Passage is Well worth watching - after all, we've all been teenagers & these guys are no different. At it's simplest, Rites is Local kids growing through their circumstances. This movie has immense positive impact in the lives of the young actors - and this is beautifully conveyed to those who watch it. Weather you identify with a character, or just knew someone like them, Rites Of Passage will make you remember good times, & bad, awaken your empathy, and if you are anything like me, it will linger in your mind for years and drive you to question some of your own choices.

We were fortunate to be able to show this film to members of our organisation. These are people who work with and mentor young people - many of whom have had experiences like those in the film. It was hard-hitting and very moving. Anyone who works with young people - parent, mentor, grandparent, youth worker who wants to understand the worlds our young people live in, must see this film.

We see the challenges our young people face and their strength and resilience grow as they overcome them. What is particularly inspirational is that it was the young people themselves who made the film - they acted, filmed and told their stories from their perspective. You will laugh and you will cry - but most of all you will celebrate with them as overcome challenges, gain understanding and find they too have skills, knowledge and accomplishments and a place in the world.

This isn't a documentary but it is far from fiction. The eclectic style, using a dizzying array of film types and techniques takes a little getting used to but this film thrives on it. The story lines develop gradually and the cast, though inexperienced, show some remarkable talent. This film gives a close up, no holds barred insight to the lives of young people growing up in the suburbs. All the usual elements are here - young love, conflict, temptation, adults who don't understand,risk taking, sex, drugs the lot. The subject matter is dealt with honestly and there is no glossing over the tough lives these kids grow up in. Yet there is an incredible resilience, humour and definitely hope. I came away feeling a bit sad but at the same time full of admiration for the achievements of everyone involved.