Skin

'Skin', set in a grim Dutch working class area in 1979, tells the story of Frankie, who starts out as a normal, somewhat rebellious teenager, and ends up as a neo-Nazi in jail. His Jewish father, a concentration camp survivor, is unable to communicate with his wife and son, which frustrates Frankie and has already created a clearly uneasy father-son relationship at the beginning of the film. When Frankie's mother gets seriously ill and needs to be hospitalized, all frustrations come creeping out from under Frankie's skin and a rough process in which he alienates from his father and most of his friends is set in motion. Even though Frankie does not intend for it to happen, he gradually finds some solace with a group of skinhead neo-Nazis, and escalation ensues.

There are some parallels between this film and the classic 'American History X', but whereas that film shows us how a remorseful neo-Nazi seeks redemption, this one explores how exactly a young person who would seem an unlikely candidate for adopting such views ends up doing so for all the wrong reasons (if there even are any right ones to begin with). Moreover, 'Skin' is a strong, gripping story about what may happen when communication fails, set against a background of growing intolerance and violence.

An intelligent and highly believable study of violence's seeds and some of the elements which can help these seeds germinate. A study that allows us a place within the main character's mind, throughout his sad journey. The fact of the matter is that generally, physical violence is an inherent need pertaining to most kids. Doubly so boys. Triply so boys whose families are disintegrating. Discipline/reality-checks, help this need subside. Without this, the need only grows. It is a very difficult thing for us to deal with in healthy ways. Especially at an age when our brains (the only tools that can help us deal) are undergoing so much literal reconstruction. When this need is ignored, the results are often both painful and permanent. Moral of the story? Worst case scenario, kid's got a temper, spending time together isn't working, don't know what to do - enroll him into a good MMA school. Or Jiu Jitsu or Karate, anything really. Anything that provides him a safe way to channel this pent up need on one hand and yet also provides controlled reality-checks and discipline on the other hand. It isn't the perfect solution, but often, it is by far the lesser of all the evils at hand.

For me, this film was an enlightenment in the skinhead subculture. It was very interesting to watch the developments in this film. Everything was clearly conveyed, all the emotions and feelings of the heroes. Especially since the film is based on real events. The appearance of each actor is correctly selected for this style of film. Those who are interested in this direction, I strongly advise you to watch this film, you will not regret it.