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I read the book by Scott Heim on which this film was based. I knew it was edgy, dark and depressing. I can deal with that. The simple truth is that the novel was followed very closely when filming this movie, but the movie pales in significance to the novel. If I had it to do over again, I would not have purchased the film. I will not watch it again. The acting is a bit "overdone" and features "no-name" actors. Dealing with two males in their upper-teens who try to come to grips with fomer sexual abuse is the premise of the novel and this resulting film. The subtitles distracted me as the move is done in English. This movie is not for children or teens and it should have been marked as such; violence, overt sexual scenes and explicit language would naturally take this to an x-rating, I would think. It is as simple as this: IF you read, buy Scott Heim's novel of the same name and skip this depressing hodge-podge of acting. What a downer, and it was not redeemed by fine acting either. I only bought it because I was impressed by the writing style of Scott Heim in the novel, "Mysterious Skin," and his newer novel, "We Disappear." I actually threw this DVD away as soon as I watched it but I did finish it to see if it followed the novel. I don't understand the "accolades" that this film supposedly garnered. I can stomach dark, edgy films but this one is utterly depressing with some horrible acting. The actor playing the secondary character, Brian, is the only redeeming feature as he does a good job with the part. SAVE your money and let this one go by; instead, read the novel! Thank you. And warning labels should be all over this DVD to prevent children or teens from watching it even thought the main characters are children who grow into dysfunctional teenagers. NOT my cup of tea, this one! SKIP IT!Read full review
While the casting/acting is outstanding, the storyline is deeply disturbing making this more of an experience than simple entertainment. In that vein, this indie budget film is extremely successful at conveying the sense of psychological disruption that results from child molestation. Hats off to Joseph Gordon-Levitt for his nerve shattering role here.
This is one of my favorite movies that Joseph Gordon-Levitt acted in. The characters are deep and follow very emotionally dark journeys that contain just enough humor to keep you from crying all the way through. I recommend this movie highly!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Moving beyond the gloomy nihilism of his earlier films such as "Doom Generation" and "Totally F****d Up", Araki gives us his most mature work yet: a fiercely focused yet oddly dreamlike meditation on innocence and loss. The film is sweet and distubing at the same time; delicately balancing the sordid and rough with the childlike and fantastic... replaced by a melancholy, but hopeful, affection toward people with the capacity to overcome tremendous psychological trauma. Joseph Gordon Levitt's performance is nothing short of remarkable and the trauma of the movie is softened by a hazy, beautiful ambient original movie soundtrack by Harold Budd and Robin Guthrie (from Cocteau Twins).
I love this movie because it is based on my all-time favorite book. The first time you watch it, you will be in tears at parts throughout the movie. It is very powerful and a very wonderful story. If you get the chance, you should read the book Mysterious Skin by Scott Hiem first, just because it helps the movie make a little more since the first time you watch it. Overall, anyone that watches this film will fall in love with it. 5/5!
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