IS THIS THE REAL WORLD
A schoolyard and coming of age film which centres on a rebellious 17-year-old boy who, on the verge of manhood, has difficulties finding his place in the real world.
Mark Blazey (Sean Keenan) throws away a scholarship at a private school and moves with his troubled family to a coastal town. He attends a new school and tries hard to fit in and keep out of trouble, but continues breaking the rules amidst first love.
This low-budget and simplistic Australian film deals with real issues which confront today’s youth in a world full of high expectations which are hard to realise.
Sean Keenan, who is supported by a fine cast including Julia Blake and Suzie Porter, is enthralling as the teenager who continues taking backward steps in life, citing: “I’m young – I make mistakes” as the reason for his continuing downfall.
The tragedy in this film is not the dysfunctionality within the family unit or troubled youth, but primarily the pivotal storyline of school staff who seem to condone bullying and the unlawful manhandling of students as exemplified in the affecting and haunting finale. (MMo)
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