Review of Thirteen (2003) by Arthur_S_Poe — 17 Feb 2015

As one of those movies that prove a point in the most vehement matter, 'Thirteen' is certainly a movie worth admiring. Although it loses in aesthetics because of it's harsh realism, it is a wonderful movie about life, about growing up and about pressure piling up from each side. Similar to Linklater's 'Boyhood', 'Thirteen' utilizes a very similar method in it's approach to the plot and the characters. It gives us an insight into a chaotic environment, a specific state of mind and shows us the struggle, both internal and external, of a young girl just trying to find herself in the world she's been put into. The struggle is difficult, disturbingly realistic and it certainly demands a very strong emotional investment into watching the movie. But it also has a point, a strong message it sends and that message is why the movie is so exceptional and interesting. Evan Rachel Wood is brilliant in her role and you cannot help but wonder how such a wonderful actress managed to not become one of the greats... there is still time, sure, but... you just feel sorry.

All in all, 'Thirteen' is the next thing to a real master-piece, a movie that, unlike many others, shows us how life functions and how it can be difficult for individuals to fight. But, it sends a strong message and one not so depressing as the movie itself and there is, certainly, a big lesson to be learned and it is, surely, a movie worth watching.