Hurt

I just caught this one, like most everybody else, on Movie Central late at night. By the end I was in tears. There was no soundtrack, the acting was a little incredulous, there was no cookie-cutter Hollywood warm feeling in your stomach when the credits began to roll. But real life doesn't always come with a side order of happy ending and that's why this movie touched me in such a powerful way. The acting may have been a little suspect...but the characters portrayed mirror parts in some of us, or in people we know in a very straightforward (and for some of us who have been down that road, painful) kind of way.

I guess you really have to experience the kinds of abuse that stem from substance abuse, neglect and a broken home life (along with the natural side-effects; depression, blame and hatred) to really understand how attractive suicide becomes. When just running away, taking another ride, or drowning your sorrows in whatever toxic substance happens to be your poison of choice, is no longer enough. This kind of thing happens every day for real, I know it has in my life (and I thank God for the second chance that I've been given).

I would recommend this show for anyone who is or has been abused, felt like death is the only option, or just can't find the strength to deal with all the pain inside. In the writers own words "For those who have survived, for those who have not and for those who continue to struggle..."

It seems I lucked into watching a really great movie tonight. They showed it here in Canada on Showcase, and I hope they show it again real soon. Great job by all involved. The acting was wonderful, the script was wonderful... pretty much everything was very well done. I would also love to see this coming out on DVD soon, but from reading the other comments, it doesn't look like it will happen. If you need someone to help storm that warehouse, just give me a ring! If I hear anything about it being re-broadcast anytime soon (I'll e-mail Showcase tonight too, to see what their plans are with it), I'll be sure to post in here for all fans hoping to catch it again.

By chance I caught this film late last night, and I am still thinking about it. It was a very sad, but interesting film. The three characters of Stevie, Boy, and Darla meet at a party, and seemingly they have very little in common. As the movie progresses, we find this is not true. They all come from broken homes, and are very troubled. The strong friendship they form helps them face their problems head on. I was very impressed by the lead actors in this film. They played their roles with such true emotion that it was impossible not to sympathize with them. I would definitely recommend this film. 8.5/10

After seeing this movie, I can honestly say that it changed my outlook on life. It was so real, that is was surreal. I really felt like I connected with the characters in the film, and the fact that it had no music made it that much more raw.

Amazingly talented young actors, to pull off such believable characterization. If you see this movie, you'll probably cry (I know I did). It centers on three abused teens who end up becoming friends and try to help each other face their various domestic problems. You'll be surprised how it ends.

All in all, it's a very good movie for anyone who is dealing with abuse at home, and delivers such a powerful message. I saw it on the Movie Network, but if you have the chance, go and rent it.

I think people should see this movie. It's a well made DV feature with a good story and really good acting. In the center of the film are it's three protagonists (Darla, Stevie, and Boy) and their relationships with abuse. A simple enough concept, an easy view, but what makes this movie special are two things: A) the abuse is never exploitive (See: Larry Clark's "Kids") and B) Although centered in reality there is enough cathartic visualization to distract the viewer. This also sort of works against the film in that when we get sucked into the reality of the story our hearts break, but when we see or hear something a little out of place we become slightly removed from the mythology the script had created. For example: when the trio are on the swing set and its pouring rain, as they swing higher and higher they scream louder and louder. This is a really nice visualization of Catharsis but it may be a little to arty for the gritty DV reality that are the lives of Darla, Stevie, and Boy. Another example (although much more palpatable): The Bonfire Scene. The trio throw into a bonfire that which binds them to their abuse. As a visual statement, it's very powerful, I just don't know that the Characters in this film would have that sort insight ; they seem smart enough to concoct a wonderfully clever rouse yet not smart enough to leave their respective situations...grant it that's kind of the point Dimarco is making: Abuse is not something easily walked away from. Steve Dimarco is also wonderful writer: "there are worse things a guy can put inside of you besides his cxxk"-Darla "Like what?"-Stevie "Like his thoughts"-Darla I just don't know that these characters would say these great lines. Maybe they would, I mean they did so obviously they 'would'. And these critiques are minor ones. I was really affected by this movie. I think it's a great calling card for future features from a brave new voice in Canadian Cinema. I hope Steve Dimarco is well funded and finds the perfect medium for his visual ideas. See this movie. Good Stuff.