Adolescência Dourada

I don't know if I'd go as far as to say that this movie belongs to the 'Aussie trash' pile, but it's fair to say that there are no Academy Award nominees here. What must be considered is that most of the actors in this film weren't actually actors as such, just kids with nothing better to do at the time. There were many others that were offered roles in the film but turned them down to go surfing up the coast; all things taken into account, it really wasn't a bad movie for its time. In some respects it's really not unlike today's times, where peer pressure is still alive and kicking, just without the mobile phones, computers and other similar gadgets that kids lived without, unlike this generation. Anyway, I have to rate this flick as an old fave that I watch once in a blue moon and never take too seriously...

The sexual revolution arrived late down under, yet for some Cronulla schoolies they're trying to keep it going. The title warns you it's a Blues, no sappy love song nor rock n' roll, so don't expect a Hollywood heartwarming story. This is a tale of pure Aussie adolescence- no holds barred- the bare, naked truth in all it's awkward, hilarious and depressing form!

Puberty Blues is a movie about being a teenager.. unlike it's American, high budget counterparts such as Pretty in Pink or Fast Times at Ridgemont High, it is a very honest look at life as a teenager. It centres around two girls who are trying to fit in with the "surfie chick" crowd and to do so must participate in the usual teenage antics (sex, drinking, cheating on History tests etc.). What the film lacks in plot, budget and acting it makes up for with sheer honesty - there's no ultra happy "feel-good" ending like in the formentioned counterparts, but instead you are left with the impression that life really was like that for them. All in all, one to be seen, but forgotten.

Yeah, I agree with the previous comment that this film was probably meant as a serious way to reach teenagers at the turn of the 80s, but now is surely filed in the 'cult' section of most video stores and hired out by trash-lovers as a nifty snapshot of suburban middle-class Sydney and surfie-culture in the late 70s. Classic lines include: 'don't hurt him, i'll screw ya, i'll screw the lot of ya's!!', 'aw, she's just a moll', and 'comin' out the back for a root?' Embarrassing-skeletons-in-the-closet awards must go to Tim Finn (Split Enz etc.) for writing the title song, and Les Gock (currently of Popstars fame - you know, he's the one that manages new pop sensation Scandal-us) who was also responsible for some of the music. Fans of Aussie trash such as Prisoner CBH will love this - everyone else, steer clear, you'll just think it's boring and crap.

Well-paced, evocative and entertaining story of two high school girls who successfully ingratiate themselves into the cool surfer gang. There they are introduced to a world of cheating on exams, smoking, lying to parents, sexism, drinking, perfunctory sex, and drugs.

Though ostensibly the story of best friends Debbie (Nell Schofield) and Sue (Jad Capelja), this is Debbie's story. Debbie is the more dominant of the two actively rejecting the nerds and pushing for inclusion in the cool gang. Sue seems pretty happy with the status quo, but will tag along with Debbie. This keeps the story simpler as Debbie has two troubled relationships, becomes disillusioned, and yearns for a more fulfilling existence. Sue quickly takes up with the most sympathetic of the boys, Danny (Tony Hughes), for a much quieter life.

Apart from Debbie you don't get much insight into the characters though there is some exploration of the troubled Garry (Jeffrey Rhoe). The adult characters seem like caricatures, but this is Debbie's story and that's probably how they seemed to her.

The unmannered performances from the young cast are generally good, adding to the sense of realism, while Schofield is excellent. The music is good and well-used. A few overt comedy scenes seem forced and the film much more effective when it sticks to drama.