Aldri mer 13! (Goodbye 13!) (1996)

What's it like to befriend someone? First you challenge the person to determine whether they're tough or gentle enough. Then you verify if you can trust them. And finally... well, you've become friends already! But here comes the most troublesome part: quarrels, betrayals, or simply disappointment. Can these obstacles ruin the friendship? Or do they build it up actually?

Quite unusual, this story depicts relationship between two schoolgirls Rikke and Bea. One would never guess that girls can be as crazy as boys: they play with matches setting a school building on fire, come running through the opposite sex locker room, and what not! Besides at the age of 13 they start to become sort of obsessed with boys which only complicates the story. Not to mention their relations with siblings and parents.


I like Scandinavian (and Northern European in general) realism: they tend to present people and situations in movies much like they're found in real life. Just take the father of the family for example: oh, there's some problem at home? He puts on his cycling suit and goes ride a bike. "I need some fresh air" - that's the only answer to Rikke's question on "what's the matter with my mom and sister?" Adults complicate teens' lives so very often...

The title of the movie doesn't mean, of course, that making friends is any different at other age. It's just that teenagers first realize how complex and multi-layered relations with other people are. Going through all the difficulties, Rikke and Bea end up being the best friends. They've learned a good lesson. Now it's time to move on. So, goodbye 13! :)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0182690/
My vote: 6 of 10

The Client (1994)

I've watched this movie before, maybe even twice. Yet I've decided to watch it once again. The plot is very common for crime dramas: criminals, cops, and guiltless people in jeopardy. Gosh, haven't we seen that cocktail on our screens million times already?

But what's exciting about this particular movie is the acting. Especially that of Brad Renfro who plays Mark. It was a surprise for me to find out that this was his first role ever, and he hadn't had any acting experience before. And that when he was just 11 yo! Some time ago I've also watched The Cure (1995) with him, and he was acting superb there as well. It's a pity he passed away so young in 2008 because of "accidental" heroin overdose...

A funny thing is the southern accent of some actors. Like saying "hai" for "hi", or "whai" for "why". Also, the movie contains a number of funny scenes, like Reggie's mum: "Nice to meet you, Mark!" after he shuts the car's door and kicks it, and then walks away, or Mark: "Well, I'll just go get hit by a truck and come back."

As I mentioned the movie itself is quite common and doesn't carry any deep thoughts. The plot is full of unrealistic coincidences and situations. I would generally rate it as 5 of 10, but the acting makes it all!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109446/
My vote: 7 of 10