petergerard

Quite a remarkable study of an anonymous high school. Wiseman's strength in this film is definitely editing. He has taken seemingly a mountain of footage from probably a year in a high school and selected choice bits to make a film that completely engages, despite the apparent lack of character development and traditional narrative. The scenes and moments are incredibly interesting and glue you to the screen. Some of the best treasures are in the tiny concrete room where kids argue about their detentions. A teacher shows girls how to strut their stuff, and boys learn all about sex from a jolly gynecologist.

If you can get your hands on a copy of this, sit back and enjoy!

Simply stunning images. Well-shot, and expertly edited for maximum effect. The shots of the Japanese guys massaging cow's asses were particularly incredible. Though much of the shock was lost due to the effects of passing time and the condescending commentary, it is still interesting to see (the foie- gras sequence should be enlightening for anyone who still eats the stuff). Mondo Cane may have kicked off the shock-reality genre, but it reads as an interesting exploration of normality, raising questions about difference and anthropological methods. Well worth the two hours...