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Featured Actress: Maeve Quinlan - What's a normal family? You may be wondering as you watch this controversial 2002 teen drama about California skateboarders and their dysfunctional families. Then again, you may never get to watch it, since it hasn't been released in the U.S., although it's an American production. It's also been banned in several countries, but it was released on an English language Dutch/French sub-titled PAL DVD in parts of Europe. It's very explicit, so if it ever makes it to U.S. distribution, it'll be cut to hell.
The story focuses on the lives of several teens, and their messed up home lives. Shawn is having sex with his girlfriend, but also with the girl's mother, while being friends with the girl's father. Claude's father is a violent and abusive drunk, while his mother, who is pregnant, blissfully ignores what is happening to Claude. Tate is a masturbation addict who lives with his grandparents. They give him no privacy, and his hate eventually explodes. Peaches has a dead mother and a father who is a religious fanatic. She is totally subservient to her father, yet has kinky sex with her friends when his back is turned. Ken, the title character, has gotten his girlfriend pregnant, and is overwhelmed and in deep despair over it.
This powerful drama pulls no punches. The sex scenes are explicit, as are the scenes of conflict and violence. It's well worth seeing, and carries a powerful message, but unfortunately, given the political climate in the U.S., you may never see it here.
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