17 and Under (1997) User Reviews

Cesar Herrera

[spiritualboy7 · 3 November 2004]

Juan Sanchez played by the sexy Cesar Herrera captures the heart of change in someone who once was a ghetto-gangster who was bitter at life, A murderer with no remorse who later became against everything he had ever done while being in the gangster life as he spends 6 months with a grieving family who lost their loved one through gang violence. Juan sees the emotional agony that this family goes through. He wants to survive by starting his life over as he felt the pain that HE caused by killing someone. He felt he wanted to get away from it all, Just change his life and get away. In the process of ending his mark as "smiley" to the gangsters in L.A He confronts his "home boys" about getting out of the gang and winds up getting killed.

I LOVED THIS MOVIE.

CESAR...YOU ARE A AWESOME ACTOR

Beautiful film that did'nt get its deserved attention.

[pkzeewiz · 4/10 · 2 April 2010]

I'm not sure what kept this indie film so well hidden, it had a great message and an important message. I have seen some variations of this film done in other movies focused around gang violence, but never have I seen one so personal involving the feelings a family member has of losing a kid to gang violence, or the consequences a young killer deals with after making such a mistake.

The movie is set in L.A. where gang violence was possibly the highest among teens than any other place. This particular story tells of a young Mexican American teen innocently killed by a gang member. The family in turn struggles with the idea but ultimately decide to take in a juvenile as part of a rehabilitation program. They find it hard to have a gang member in their house, but hope they can help him better his life and in turn make the future a better place.

The story sounds cut and dry, but there is so much drama involved with the family and their loss and a 16 year old daughter they have is a major concern of theirs as well now that this 17 year old gang member is living with them..

I must say the movie touched me, I could relate to much of it and I wish the film had gained much more recognition than it did.

Director Greg Morgan hasn't gained much success in any other products he's worked on but his writing is good and his direction is often beautiful. Drama's aren't usually filled with great direction, because the characters are the focus, but I actually found myself in awe of the way he filmed certain aspects to show emotion. He didn't focus on gang violence, he focused on these people and that was important to make this film have a heart and also have two sides. If he had made a bunch of crap scenes focusing on East Los Angelas and the kids there, it would've given the viewer too much idealism and too much of a push into their thought process. People are individuals, statistics are not always right, mistakes happen and the bad choices we make in life are sometimes as painful for us and the people we hurt, it was nice to see something positive attempted here, although a blunt reality is what we walk away with.

I like rap music form back in the day and this movie had a nice soundtrack and really fitting, the score was so head on.. The actors were people I don't recall ever seeing anywhere else, but they were extremely good and I would love to see them with more fame, they stood out and did an amazing job.

I think this is a movie people should watch if you like drama. Its not a gang movie and its not action, it's pure drama but its good and the message is good. My low rating of 4 stars is just because it is not something I can imagine myself ever wanting to see again.

A juvenile murderer is sentenced to live with a family that has lost their son to gang violence.

[Greg-114 · 10/10 · 19 January 1999]

This film is great. There is a social need for films like this. It ought to be shown in schools and be mandatory viewing as a method to show how precious a human life is. Too many young kids are killing other kids. If they'd see the aftermath of what they've done maybe they'd think twice.

A must see for those of us who believe murder is for adults.

[Doug-99 · 10/10 · 6 February 1999]

This film displays the very best of independent filmmaking by two newcomers. I enjoyed this film and the story it tackled about coping and coming to grips with the death of a loved one. The viewpoint of the director is tremendous. Great film!!!!

Sketchy

[keegn · 6 November 1999]

This movie definately had potential, but it was too unrealistic to be a great movie. Many things were unanswered throughout the movie. It was a good idea, but I think it could have been portrayed better. The movie also could have been clearer in the overall message.