MOVIES — SANDRA OOSTHUIZEN

If you look beyond the American sentiment and the unrealistic time frame in which change happens this movie can offer child and youth care workers many interesting and worthwhile issues to contemplate and discuss.

The adolescent boy, Sam lives in a wealthy family with a stepfather, Peter, his biological mother and two younger half-brothers. He is detached from every adult in his life. His mother, stepfather, and biological father, George have all given up on him and expect the worst of him. He has few boundaries, does whatever he wishes whenever he wishes. He is addicted to various drugs and shows no interest in school. His stepfather labels him “queer”.

“Someday, maybe when cynicism isn't so much in vogue, this movie may get it's due.”
— US VIEWER         

His mother seems almost completely powerless and hopeless. She lets him do whatever he wants in order to avoid any possible conflict with him or Peter, who is also a successful businessman. Sam’s mom constantly covers up for him and tries to protect him from Peter’s criticism.

Sam’s biological father, George is an eccentric man, caught up in his past, and shacks-up in a wealthy area in a house he inherited from his abusive father. George loses his job and is diagnosed with cancer on the same day. This changes his outlook on life, which profoundly affects his relationship with his son, Sam.

The relationship between Sam and George forms the central part of the movie which lends itself to tremendous potential for discussion about important child care issues i.e. how young people meet their need for attachment; communication skills; behaviour management; the importance of giving young people opportunities to experience themselves differently; using the moment; identifying feelings and behaviours which give specific clues as to where the person is discouraged; what needs the young person is meeting through his behaviour; looking beyond what is presented by the young person; unconditional acceptance; etc.

If your passion is to understand troubled young people and how to build relationships with them, this movie offers you the opportunity to enhance these skills.