This movie is based on real events in Orinda, CA, during the summer and fall 1984. It's important to remember the reality of what lies behind the film: much like the gun-toting kids we see today, we have to remember kids are cruel to each other and we all act like it is normal and acceptable. It isn't.
I grew up with the victim's family, and this whole tragedy was hard on everyone in the community; however, the blame lies with all parties. Kids learn to be cruel to other kids from their parents. Good parents teach their kids to respect other kids and be kind to everyone. Orinda, CA, with a few exceptions, was not a place where good parents raised their kids. Many places with money are like this; many places without money are like this, too. Everyone focuses on the singular tragedy of something like this, and they fail to look at macrocosmic problem. Everyone wants to blame the lone nut instead of thinking how their own behavior impacted the situation. No one wants to imagine this could happen, but it does. And it happens because parents absentmindedly teach their kids it is alright to tease and mock those who are different or don't fit in.
Watch this with your child and use it as a tool for teaching them respect for everyone, not just for the "cool" kids.
I grew up with the victim's family, and this whole tragedy was hard on everyone in the community; however, the blame lies with all parties. Kids learn to be cruel to other kids from their parents. Good parents teach their kids to respect other kids and be kind to everyone. Orinda, CA, with a few exceptions, was not a place where good parents raised their kids. Many places with money are like this; many places without money are like this, too. Everyone focuses on the singular tragedy of something like this, and they fail to look at macrocosmic problem. Everyone wants to blame the lone nut instead of thinking how their own behavior impacted the situation. No one wants to imagine this could happen, but it does. And it happens because parents absentmindedly teach their kids it is alright to tease and mock those who are different or don't fit in.
Watch this with your child and use it as a tool for teaching them respect for everyone, not just for the "cool" kids.