Films about dangerous youth often delve into the dark, sometimes violent facets of adolescence and early adulthood. These movies frequently explore themes such as delinquency, gang culture, rebellion against societal norms, and the troubled lives that lead to such behavior. They aim to provide a deeper understanding of the factors driving young people towards a path of danger and destruction, including economic disparity, family dysfunction, and the quest for identity. These films can be gritty, raw, and unflinching in their portrayal, often serving as a mirror to the darker underbelly of society while also offering glimpses of hope, redemption, and the complex nature of youth.
“Kids”, 1995
Director: Larry Clark
Directed by Larry Clark, this film portrays a day in the life of a group of teenagers in New York City, focusing on their reckless behavior, substance abuse, and sexual activity, culminating in a stark and unsettling narrative that addresses the consequences of their actions.
Starring: Leo Fitzpatrick, Justin Pierce, Chloë Sevigny, Rosario Dawson, Jon Abrahams, Harold Hunter, Sarah Henderson, Joseph Chan, Johnathan Staci Kim, Adriane Brown;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: nc17;
Duration: 91 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Kids” on the website imdb.com
“City of God”, 2011
Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery
Set in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, this Brazilian crime film directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund traces the growth of organized crime in the Cidade de Deus suburb over several decades. It follows two young boys who take vastly different paths: one becomes a photographer; the other, a drug dealer.
Starring: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Rajeev Pillai, Jagadish, Anil Murali, Sreehari, Arun Narayan, Kishore Satya, Sudheer Karamana, Shaju K.S., Jayashankar, Nandu, Achankunju, Chemban Vinod Jose, Sumesh, Rajesh Hebbar, Abraham Koshy, Payas, Das, Santhosh, Shweta Menon, Rima Kallingal, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Rohini, Valsala Menon, Renjusha Menon, Shobha Singh, Sudha Nair;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 145 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “City of God” on the website imdb.com
“Thirteen”, 2016
Director: Vanessa Caswill, China Moo-Young
Directed by Catherine Hardwicke, this film tells the story of a thirteen-year-old girl in Los Angeles who, in her quest for identity and belonging, falls into a world of petty crime, drugs, and self-harm, challenging the perceptions of teenage rebellion and the quest for acceptance.
Starring: Jodie Comer, Valene Kane, Richard Rankin, Natasha Little, Katherine Rose Morley, Stuart Graham, Aneurin Barnard, Mark Flitton, Kemi-Bo Jacobs, Eleanor Wyld;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Thirteen” on the website imdb.com
“We Need to Talk About Kevin”, 2010
Director: Lynne Ramsay
This psychological thriller, directed by Lynne Ramsay, is a chilling exploration of the complex relationship between a mother and her son, Kevin, who exhibits increasingly psychopathic behavior leading to a horrifying act. It delves into themes of nature versus nurture, guilt, and familial bonds.
Starring: Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller, Jasper Newell, Rocky Duer, Ashley Gerasimovich, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Alex Manette, Kenneth Franklin, Leslie Lyles;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: thriller, drama, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “We Need to Talk About Kevin” on the website imdb.com
“The Bling Ring”, 2013
Director: Sofia Coppola
Directed by Sofia Coppola, based on true events, this film follows a group of fame-obsessed teenagers who use the internet to track celebrities' whereabouts in order to rob their homes. It explores the impacts of celebrity culture, materialism, and the search for identity in modern society.
Starring: Israel Broussard, Katie Chang, Emma Watson, Taissa Farmiga, Claire Julien, Gavin Rossdale, Georgia Rock, Leslie Mann, Carlos Miranda, Stacy Edwards;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 87 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,6;
These films serve as a lens through which audiences can view the myriad issues facing young people today, prompting reflection, discussion, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
The exploration of dangerous youth in cinema offers a mirror to society's deepest anxieties and challenges, presenting a canvas where the fears, hopes, and moral complexities of young individuals on the fringes are vividly painted. Through films that range from the gritty realism of “A Clockwork Orange” to the haunting narrative of “We Need to Talk About Kevin,” audiences are invited to navigate the tumultuous journey of youth battling against societal norms, their inner demons, or the unforeseen consequences of their actions. These films not only provide a stark reflection on the potential for violence and rebellion inherent in the process of growing up but also pose profound questions about responsibility, redemption, and the very nature of evil. As cinema continues to evolve, the portrayal of dangerous youth remains a compelling exploration of the dark side of adolescence, serving as a cautionary tale that resonates across generations, urging a deeper understanding and engagement with the young individuals who stand at the crossroads between destruction and redemption.
