Puberty Blues

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.

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!

On the surface, this film can be seen for what it is, a stark realization of teen angst in Cronulla, at the start of the eighties. Inseparable friends, Debbie and Sue, want to travel with the cool gang, but first must endure the humiliation and sucking up to get there. Granted, these scenarios were very real in that very real time. PB is a very realistic movie, with lot a laughable moments, because they're relatable. It also has one tragic moment too. PB is very entertaining, I must says and deals with real teen issues. But to be honest, I couldn't stand the guys of this popular group, more a bunch of rude surfie pigs, which to be part of em', guy or girl, wouldn't be worth the trouble. After all, I have my pride. In fact, they got more annoying, as the movie went on. The message sent here, is "be you for you are, and don't conform to fit in with others, while letting your real values or talents suffer". When the two girls finally excel in their tries of surfing, it's a morning of victory, despite some of the negative reactions from those pigs. Great opening wide shot of Cronulla beach, crawling with beachgoers, plus I like Bruce's meeting with Debbie's olds. Almost priceless, as also the interior walls of his panel van, filled with lewd pictures. Also, watch how quick it takes for a whole cake to go off, when devoured by those thankless pigs. Very real performances that are in no way great, but convincing, the older veteran stars better. Much alike, FJ Holden you could say, that should of also spawned a t.v. show, but this movie is too basic, and simplistic, especially if viewing it, in today's times, with not the most original dialogue.

Movie about two Australian girls--Debbie (Nell Schofield) and Sue (Sue Knight)--and what happens when they become girlfriends of two surfer guys.

I caught this at an art cinema here in America in 1981. Technically I was still a teenager (I was 19) so I was interested in seeing how Australian teens acted. Script wise there's nothing new here. It shows the usual teenage adventures dealing with dating, sex, suicide etc etc. I always knew what was going to happen before it did but I was never bored. What I found interesting was, despite the accent and a few changes in clothes and hair, these teenagers aren't much different than American teens. They had many of the same difficulties and hang-ups. Also this was based on a book from a real surfer girl and her true life adventures and (I heard) it was a faithful adaptation of it. The acting was just OK but the actors were attractive and this was well-made and pretty interesting. So this is no unsung masterpiece but a pretty accurate portrayal of what it's like being a teenager and trying to be with the popular kids. I give it a 7.

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.