40 Facts About The Movie Kids

Kids was written by Harmony Korine at the age of 19.

Harmony Korine, a talented young writer, penned the script for Kids when he was just 19 years old. His unique perspective and understanding of youth culture is evident throughout the film.

The movie was shot on location in New York City.

To capture the authentic atmosphere of inner-city life, director Larry Clark chose to film Kids on the streets of New York City. The gritty and realistic setting adds depth to the story and characters.

Kids features a cast of mostly non-actors.

To maintain the rawness and authenticity of the film, Clark opted to cast mostly unknown actors and non-actors. This decision adds to the documentary-style feel of the movie.

The film explores themes of teenage sexuality.

Kids tackles the sensitive topic of teenage sexuality head-on, depicting explicit scenes and addressing issues such as promiscuity and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Kids was initially given an NC-17 rating.

Due to its explicit content, including scenes of underage sex and drug use, the movie originally received an NC-17 rating, which restricts viewership to adults only.

The soundtrack features iconic 90s punk and hip-hop music.

The movie’s soundtrack perfectly captures the rebellious and edgy spirit of the 90s, with tracks from bands like Bikini Kill, Wu-Tang Clan, and Beastie Boys.

Kids became a cult classic.

Despite its controversial nature, Kids gained a devoted following over the years and is considered a cult classic in the realm of independent cinema.

It explores the darker side of adolescence.

The film delves into the dark and disturbing aspects of adolescence, touching on themes such as substance abuse, violence, and the loss of innocence.

Kids sparked debates about its depiction of youth culture.

Upon its release, the movie sparked intense debates regarding its portrayal of urban youth culture. Some saw it as an honest reflection, while others criticized it for glorifying destructive behavior.

The film received mixed reviews from critics.

Critics had polarizing opinions about Kids, with some praising its rawness and authenticity, while others condemned it for its explicit content and alleged exploitation of young actors.

Larry Clark faced legal issues due to the film.

Clark faced legal challenges as some of the actors in Kids were underage during the filming of explicit scenes, raising questions about consent and the line between art and exploitation.

It was one of Chloe Sevigny’s breakout roles.

Chloe Sevigny, in her debut film performance, gained critical acclaim for her portrayal of Jennie, one of the main characters in Kids.

Kids remains controversial to this day.

Decades after its release, Kids continues to generate controversy and incite discussions about the depiction of youth culture in film.

The film explores the concept of nihilism.

At its core, Kids explores the nihilistic mindset of the characters, illustrating their indifference towards societal norms and their embrace of self-destructive behaviors.

It captures the essence of 90s counterculture.

With its rebellious spirit, provocative imagery, and unfiltered portrayal of youth, Kids captures the essence of 90s counterculture and has become an emblematic film of the era.

Kids was an influential film for independent cinema.

The movie’s success had a significant impact on independent cinema, inspiring filmmakers to push boundaries and explore unconventional themes.

It was initially banned in some countries.

Kids faced bans in certain countries due to its explicit content and controversial subject matter. However, it was eventually released in many of these nations with age restrictions.

The film incorporates documentary-style filmmaking techniques.

Clark utilizes documentary-style filming techniques, blurring the line between fiction and reality. This approach adds to the film’s authenticity and rawness.

Kids marked Larry Clark’s directorial debut.

Before Kids, Larry Clark was primarily known as a photographer. The film marked his directorial debut and solidified his place as a filmmaker unafraid to tackle controversial subject matters.

The movie explores the consequences of reckless behavior.

Through its characters, Kids explores the devastating consequences of reckless behavior, showcasing the impact it can have on individuals and their communities.

Kids has become a cultural touchstone.

Over the years, Kids has become a cultural touchstone, frequently referenced in discussions about youth culture, independent filmmaking, and the representation of controversial topics in cinema.

The film’s dialogue is largely improvised.

To enhance the authenticity of the characters’ interactions, much of the dialogue in Kids was improvised by the cast, creating a natural and unfiltered atmosphere.

It presents an unflinching look at underage drug use.

Kids doesn’t shy away from showcasing the realities of underage drug use, explicitly portraying its consequences and the devastating impact it can have on young lives.

The movie explores the dynamics of friendship.

Friendship is a central theme in Kids, with the film exploring the complicated dynamics that exist among the group of friends and the influence they have on each other’s actions.

Kids ignited a debate about the role of censorship in film.

Due to its controversial content, Kids sparked discussions about the limits of artistic expression and the role of censorship in cinema.

It garnered attention for its realistic depiction of skateboarding culture.

The movie incorporates skateboarding as an integral part of the characters’ lives, accurately capturing the spirit and lifestyle of the skateboarding subculture.

Kids features a diverse ensemble cast.

The film showcases a diverse range of characters, representing different backgrounds and experiences, offering a nuanced portrayal of urban youth.

It tackles the issue of teenage pregnancy.

Kids addresses the consequences of unprotected sex and the harsh reality of teenage pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of education and responsible decision-making.

The movie is shot in a documentary-style handheld camera technique.

The use of a handheld camera technique adds to the rawness and immediacy of the film, creating an immersive experience for the audience.

Kids highlights the absence of parental guidance.

The absence of parental guidance is a recurring theme in the movie, portraying the detrimental effects it can have on young individuals searching for identity and belonging.

It explores the vulnerability and exploitation of young girls.

Kids shines a light on the vulnerability and exploitation faced by young girls, depicting the harsh realities they encounter in their pursuit of acceptance and love.

The film’s shocking nature sparked walk-outs at screenings.

Due to its explicit content and unflinching depiction of youth culture, Kids caused some audience members to walk out of screenings in protest or discomfort.

Kids has been praised for its authentic portrayal of urban life.

Despite the controversies surrounding it, the film has been commended for its authentic portrayal of the struggles and realities faced by youth living in urban environments.

The movie was met with censorship challenges.

Due to its explicit content, Kids faced numerous censorship challenges in different countries, and various scenes were either cut or modified for distribution.

It explores the concept of moral ambiguity.

Kids challenges traditional notions of right and wrong by presenting characters with complex and morally ambiguous choices, forcing viewers to confront their own judgments and biases.

The film was a box office success.

Despite its controversial nature, Kids achieved commercial success at the box office, demonstrating the public’s curiosity and fascination with the raw and unapologetic portrayal of youth culture.

Kids generated controversy for its depiction of underage drinking.

The film sparked debates and raised concerns over its portrayal of underage characters engaging in excessive drinking, highlighting the dangers associated with underage alcohol consumption.

It remains a searing portrayal of troubled youth.

Kids continues to be regarded as a powerful and searing portrayal of troubled youth, exploring the dark underbelly of modern society and its impact on young individuals.

The film has inspired a generation of filmmakers.

Kids has influenced a generation of filmmakers, encouraging them to embrace raw storytelling and tackle taboo subjects with honesty and authenticity.

Despite its controversies, Kids remains a significant piece of cinema history.

Regardless of the controversies it has generated, Kids remains a significant piece of cinema history, challenging societal norms and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the movie “Kids” remains a thought-provoking and controversial film that pushes boundaries and sparks conversations. With its raw and realistic portrayal of urban youth culture, it has become a cult classic since its release in 1995. The film delves into themes of teenage sexuality, drug use, and the consequences of reckless behavior. Directed by Larry Clark and written by Harmony Korine, “Kids” remains a powerful and impactful film that continues to captivate audiences with its gritty storytelling and unforgettable characters.

FAQs

Q: Is the movie “Kids” suitable for all audiences?

A: No, the film contains explicit content and adult themes, making it unsuitable for younger viewers.

Q: Was the movie based on real events?

A: While “Kids” was not based on a specific true story, it was heavily influenced by real-life experiences and observations of the director and writer.

Q: What is the significance of the title “Kids”?

A: The title reflects the film’s focus on portraying the lives and behaviors of teenagers, highlighting their struggles, vulnerabilities, and the complexities of adolescence.

Q: Did the movie receive any awards or nominations?

A: “Kids” garnered critical acclaim and received several awards and nominations, particularly for its screenplay and performances.

Q: How did the movie impact popular culture?

A: “Kids” had a significant impact on popular culture, as it challenged societal norms and sparked debates about teenage sexuality, drug use, and the portrayal of youth in media.

Q: Are there any similar films to “Kids”?

A: Some films that explore similar themes and styles to “Kids” include “Thirteen” (2003), “Gummo” (1997), and “Bully” (2001).