I watched it for the first time some 5-6 years ago. Loved it. And then watched it again and again for atleast 15 times in the next 3-4 years. Then just left it off. So when i accidentally saw this being shown on TV i didn't hesitate to watch it for the 16th time. It doesn't lose its charm,however how many times I watch it. PERFECTO!!!
SYNOPSIS: At Pacific Palisades High, a poor Latino falls hard for a troubled girl from the affluent neighborhood.
Screenwriters Phil Hay n Matt Manfredi do an amazing job here. They create a perfect couple n with such distinct qualities. And it still doesn't feel forced or fake. A poor hardworking sincere boy with a rich totally wild girl n willing to forgo his exams for her. Seems unlikely but it doesn't feel out of place here. They make us realize through the pair that having a planned out life is pretty cool but you gotta let it go sometimes. A little wildness is a good thing to have. Sometimes you have to listen to your heart instead of your mind. Without much melodrama n long dialogues they tell a straight story which never bores you.
As for the direction by John Stockwell its just class. He never for once loses hold as we get drawn more n more into the lives of the teenagers. He makes us meet them both n shows us the personality differences between them in the first scene itself n from then on its a turbulent ride as we cheer on for love not affected by the consequences it can have on the protagonists. And he makes us believe that sometimes all we need is a little love. Which isn't entirely true but cant be decried as well.
As for the acting Jay Hernandez and Kirsten Dunst do a fantastic job. Makes it much more believable when you have the perfect actors for the role. And I have high regards for both Jay n Kirsten. Especially Kirsten has a difficult role as an alcoholic troubled 17 year old living with her indifferent step mom n loving dad. But her past makes her present miserable n she is never ever away from trouble n alcohol. While Jay is the hardworking poor American-mexican boy who wakes up at dawn to travel by bus to his college. He is not getting enough sleep n wont get much after meeting Kirsten. He just leaves a mark as if that role was written with him in mind. I had seen him in Hostel before this n that movie made me his instant fan. And this is just a proof of his acting range. Supporting cast does decent work to make this drama engrossing n enjoyable. A good hand by Bruce Davison as the congressman dad of Kirsten.
Cinematography is excellent. Los Angeles is captured pretty nicely as is the Mexican neighbourhood. And with an almost perfect music to supplement it, it does turn into a heady concoction.
ALL IN ALL a movie which raises issue about alcohol, drugs in teenagers and also the ingrained stereotypes about brown n whites which people have in their minds. Albeit in a much less darker way. And also the question - IS LOVE MORE STRONGER THAN ANY MEDICINE ON EARTH?
HighTension Meter- 7/10.
BEST QUOTE: There are millions of people in this world, but in the end it all comes down to one. I still panic sometimes, forget to breathe, but I know that there's something beautiful in my imperfections; the beauty that he held up for me to see. The strength that I will never be able to say.
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