Not Fourteen Again (1996)

User Rating:

8.0/10   

Director:

Gillian Armstrong

Writer:

Gillian Armstrong (writer)

Release Date:

1 August 1996 (Australia)

Genre:

Documentary

Plot Keywords:

Sequel | Human Relationship | Independent Film

Awards:

1 win

Runtime:

Australia:90 min

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Movie Connections:

Follows Bingo, Bridesmaids & Braces (1988)

A feminist Australian 7-Up

Very much in the same vein as the well-known Seven-Up series of documentaries, Australian director Gillian Armstrong revisits three women who she first met in 1976, when they were 14. She filmed subsequent documentaries about them at age 18 and 26, so her timing is not as regular as in the aforementioned series. However the end result is still effective, as we watch these three girls progress from rebellious teenagers, to young wives and/or single mums, then to parents of teenagers themselves. We meet their teenage daughters with values, expectations and ambitions shaped by the 90s rather than the 70s, and the scene is set for another follow-up on this new generation (*sigh*).

The scope of the series isn't as broad as Seven-Up, consequently it often feels restrictive, claustrophobic and a little frustrating. Perhaps this is because Armstrong has chosen female subjects only, all of whom are working-class - consequently there isn't the diversity of issues and problems among the three; their dilemmas are common between them, as are their shortcomings and narrow-mindedness about many things. There is sometimes a lack of contrast between subjects and it becomes quite easy to confuse them. However their ultimate accomplishment is survival, a theme that is prevalent throughout the film. Interesting viewing overall, if only to see how language, culture, fashion and values have changed when Armstrong revisits the women in their youth.