The film "Looking for Alibrandi" is a close adaptation of the novel by the same name. The novel has been used as part of the High School Syllabus in Australia (in NSW at least) for a few years and is well loved by all who read it. To non-Australians: this is EXACTLY what the last year of high school is like over here.
The film is superb. It captures the feelings contained in the book - of Josie's HSC year and the turmoil surrounding that life-changing time - perfectly. I am sure I am not alone in identifying completely with the character, the mood, and events of the movie as being exactly what that HSC year (Grade 12) is all about. The personal relationships, personal growth, excitement, stress, happiness and the climax of the HSC would be remembered during this movie by all who went through it...
The film varies from the novel in its chronological sequence and by leaving a few details out - for example the "Aussie" misfit Lee has been cut. However this is more than made up for by the accurate portrayal of Sydney school life - it was a joy to see those familiar schoolgrounds, hangouts and even faces amongst the cast. The HSC exams brought reminiscent chills and Muckup day was hysterical, those hot summer days during Stuvac and after....
What can I say? I loved it. I wouldn't be surprised if the Board of Education here added it to the English syllabus very soon.
The film is superb. It captures the feelings contained in the book - of Josie's HSC year and the turmoil surrounding that life-changing time - perfectly. I am sure I am not alone in identifying completely with the character, the mood, and events of the movie as being exactly what that HSC year (Grade 12) is all about. The personal relationships, personal growth, excitement, stress, happiness and the climax of the HSC would be remembered during this movie by all who went through it...
The film varies from the novel in its chronological sequence and by leaving a few details out - for example the "Aussie" misfit Lee has been cut. However this is more than made up for by the accurate portrayal of Sydney school life - it was a joy to see those familiar schoolgrounds, hangouts and even faces amongst the cast. The HSC exams brought reminiscent chills and Muckup day was hysterical, those hot summer days during Stuvac and after....
What can I say? I loved it. I wouldn't be surprised if the Board of Education here added it to the English syllabus very soon.