Review of The Basketball Diaries (1995) by Mike T — 01 Oct 2008
A bleak, potent depiction of a young man trying to grasp the pain of life. Teen angst isn't romanticized or melodramatic in this film. It's brutal and agonizing and tragic. It rips right into me, and I could care less about minor technical problems.
When a story rings this true, nothing else matters. DiCaprio's mere presence makes the film compelling - his intense, passionate performance is among his best. He's nuanced, fierce and startlingly believable all at once.
This isn't standard storytelling. This is a crushingly real, violent and honest movie with a lot to say. It's a coming-of-age story like no other... one of my all time favorites.
This review of The Basketball Diaries (1995) was written by Mike T on 01 Oct 2008.
The Basketball Diaries has generally received positive reviews.
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