Siebzehn

One reviewer here mistakenly compared this to Dazed and Confused, when in fact it's nothing like that - I'm sure the reviewer meant Lost and Delirious (2001) with Piper Perabo. Anyway, it is still no comparison, Lost And Delirious is an outstanding film and one I find difficult to watch because of the raw emotion it evokes; but I'm digressing. This film is quite engaging some of the time, a little confusing, and a little strung out to the point of tedium. But, overall a fairly interesting movie.

One might see Siebzehn (17) as an Austrian version of Dazed and Confused with an emphasis on sexuality identity and the achieving and not always achieving of one's desires. It's interesting that the film appears mainly set in a regional setting, rather than one of the bigger cities. It does however contain many of the familiar tropes from teenage films (drugs, bullies, three-sided relationships, school competitions, dance/concerts, fights and barely an "adult" to be seen. Even the 2 teachers who have some involvement in the narrative, only appear to be in their twenties.) The film is anchored by a fine central performance from Elisabeth Wabitsch as Paula. I wish I could say the same about all the other supporting roles, but in all honesty, some were fairly amateurish. Being a teenage film too, be prepared to watch a lot of the characters lie around various rooms texting away on their phones. Yes, it's reality I guess, but doesn't always make riveting viewing. It's fair to say too, that many may find the conclusion somewhat anti-climactic.

All in all it is a very well shot film with great casting, but there are a view things missing, for example the music, there are so many silent moments that could've easily been avoided. There also are a lot of very confusing storylines that weren't really necessary and that could'v been left out. But in the end I still really enjoyed the way it was produced and the main thought behind it.

I've seen someone say it is the german Lost and Delirous but I don't think I can agree with that. I am a big fan of the symbolism in Lost and Delirious and I couldn't really find references like these in Siebzehn. I think I understand what was implied, because the "vibe" was sort of similar, but the stories these movies tell are just veeery different from one another.

Monja Art shows promise with this film's camerawork, emphasis on body language. It's subtle, but great at the right spots. Whether its hetero or homo situations, creates an erotic tension between characters.

The story is on a regional Austrian location, showing teens in their mundane school activities plus their social life. It is slow moving drama with a matching, moodful, almost "Neo-Emo" feel soundtrack.

Its cast works fine, but doesn't hit those dramatics, if it means to show teen angst, it's just not there. Art's does have a stylish flair, future film work will mature with this superb debut.