Reviews (12)

The brutal reality of kids living on the streets of Seattle
Directors Martin Bell, Mary Ellen Mark and Cheryl McCall filmed teenage kids living on the streets of Seattle in this 1985 documentary. These kids are runaway, many of them abused, and "Streetwise" shows us how they live (and you can imagine the meaning you will attribute to the word "live" by the end of this film). These kids sleep till noon and then try to find money by panhandling downtown, turning a trick, or rolling a few homosexuals. The money goes for drugs, which invariably leads to a night of partying, all the while trying to find someplace to stay to survive another day. Not all of them do. All I want to say about this film is two things. First, it makes every Hollywood or TV movie about runaway kids on the street look like a complete joke. Second, I cannot imagine any kid ever wanting to live on the street after seeing this film.

Accurate depiction of "throwaway" youth
Well, the name STREETWISE says it all. This disturbing, heartbreaking and very accurate documentary about street kids is one of the best films I have ever seen. I have seen it many times, but every time I watch it, it blows me away. If you liked MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO, you really need to watch STREETWISE, because STREETWISE is the real thing.

This film was made in 1985 and, as some of the other reviewers have asked, I too am curious about how these "children" are doing now, fifteen years later. Specifically, I want to know who is still alive. That's the kind of film this is. These "characters" get inside your head. How could they not? These kids recite the details of their lives so matter of factly as they go about their business of every day survival in the urban jungle; the "details" of their lives being the most unbelievable, heartbreaking stories of abandonment, prostitution, abuse and neglect. I always come away from this film asking myself, "how could these kids get so short changed so early in life?" Sometimes you get a glimpse of the parents of these children and it's equally horrifying. If I was a suburban mom with kids growing up in the lap of luxury, I would insist that they watch this film. I know people in their 30's who think they're tough, who never had to spend a single day the ways these kids live. These children have EVERYTHING going against them and yet they manage somehow to have simple hopes and dreams. Some of them want a life that other people are just born into. If you grew up in comfort, you'll see some things you may take for granted that these children were never told how to do. One child thinks it's perfectly acceptable that people in love should fight. Another girl has difficulty getting her mom to just buy her some Avon. One boy thinks he can change his personality by changing his hair color.

The most disturbing thought that this film leaves you with is that this is just a microcosmic look at ALL the throwaway children in the U.S. This is a problem that still exists. It's not going away.

I watch this film repeatedly, as it keeps me on my toes. Just when I start to get too comfortable, I remember the reality of the have's and have not's in this country and I am appalled. I recommend this movie to anyone with a pulse.

I was one of the lucky ones.
This documentary is as true-to life as any could ever be. I know because I could very well have been Tiny. I knew her.

I went to elementary school with and lived in the same housing project as Tiny and Lily. I ran into them off and on because of mutual acquaintances, but was not friends with them. I continued on into middle school and rarely saw these girls. I moved out of state for high school, came back to the area after I graduated and shortly thereafter, I rented this movie. I was stunned--not only to see profiled these girls that I had known, but also to see what my life could have--and would have--been. I knew of the abuse these girls suffered (in school kids talk) and how they were throwaways. Unfortunately, where we grew up, this was more common than not. The only difference between Erin and me was that I caught a break and someone who cared reached out to me in time.

I hope and pray that all of the kids profiled in this movie who are still alive, some day, also catch a break. I was one of the lucky ones.

This documentary should be required viewing for training all social workers. Perhaps fewer children would fall through the cracks. In fact, all legislators should also be required to view it so they know who they go to bat for when laws are passed for the protection of children.

Martin Bell's magnum opus...
For those who suspect this film was "scripted" (not surprising in the current age of irony and cynicism) -- drop by Mary Ellen Mark's website (Photographs, do a web search) and click on Books, then "Streetwise," then read the preface and postscript, which reveals quite a bit more about the film. Then think to yourself -- do you know any *professional* adolescent actors talented enough to pull off a scripted version of Streetwise?

It should dawn on you then, that Streetwise is one of a kind. There may have been some hamming in front of the camera, but I'm fairly certain none of this was scripted. I'm not sure what it was competing against that year at the Academy Awards, but imagine if it had won... the film would certainly still be in print (probably restored and out on DVD), and the next generation would have the opportunity to see this important work of art... also, Martin Bell would probably have gotten more work as befits his incredible talents. As it stands, I figure this just may have been too painful to watch for Academy voters... or I wonder if they thought it was scripted too.

Anyway, this film is a "must-see" even if you have to buy an expensive, used copy. Of course I may be somewhat biased... I live in and grew up in (near) Seattle, and have met the director (I was living nearby where "American Heart" was filmed). Still, this is a truly unforgettable film -- it isn't easy to watch sometimes, but you'll be rewarded a hundred times over.

A compelling look at street life in Seattle
This documentary moved me in more ways than one. I viewed it a while ago while attending college. It captures the true essence of street life in Seattle Washington. At the time this documentary was under production I often visited Seattle to see relatives. I was always told about the prostitution that occurred in certain parts of downtown Seattle during those days and I caught glimpses of this while riding the bus downtown. I was not aware of the huge population of adolescents that were living on the streets. Since I was so young at the time I thought most of them were just hanging out in the area. This documentary made it clear to its audience that these kids were having a day to day struggle for survival on the cruel streets where they frequently roamed. This documentary does not shelter the audience from the ugliness that occurs on the streets. It also offers the viewer a chance to get to know the kids as real people with the same hopes and dreams most kids their age possess. After getting know Erin, Ratt, Dwayne, Patty, Munchkin etc. I will never forget them. I hope there is a follow-up documentary on how their lives have turned out since the first documentary aired in 1983. I would like to know if they made it out of the grips of the streets. It's a story that happens all too often in America. It reminds us that children who are abused must have a safehouse to go to so that the streets do not appear to be an option. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

true to form
This film shows some of the true problems that face people who fall on hard times. The mother in the family dies leaving extensive medical bills which plunge the family into poverty. The father is too proud to ask anyone for help including a doctor who is the father of his daughter's friend. This movie is fraught with drama and emotion. It tore my heart out when I watched it. It shows that not everyone who is poor becomes that way because they are lazy.

not bad this,slightly better than usual Made-For-TV fare
this is an ok film,i suppose.not a classic,but merits a watching.it involves a middle class family,the wife of which dies,leaving the father to provide and raise his children alone.it charts the problems he faces rather simplistically though,and doesnt really get into the deeper problems and psychology involved.also,the characters themselves are too one dimensional and stereotypical.why would the guy refuse help from the doctor?yeah ok he might be proud,but he would know in his heart of heart it was for the best.also,the ending is very poor.halfway between standard hollywood happily ever after,and the rather depressing,it finishes abruptly and questions are left unanswered.all that said,at least some thought was given to this film.sans for the few gaping plot holes,this is an acceptable film.2 out of 5

Wonderful for Classroom Use
I've used this film with high school juniors for five years, and it has been a great success every time. In fact, as much as I appreciate this film, my students love it even more, and refer back to it continually. The film is a powerful tool for teaching students about the reality of poverty and hunger in America - the reality that most who are poor in this country work full time. (I only wish it could be issued in DVD format.)

A MUST-SEE independent film about poverty, pulls no punches
I was absolutely stunned the first time I saw this one. DON'T pass up your chance to see this one (or better yet own it) before it fades from the market. Better yet, share it with anyone who believes those mysths about homelessness and poverty in American - that the poor are simply lazy, shiftless, unwilling to work hard and make a go of it. If anything is likely to change their minds, this movie could. Beau Bridges shines as Bill Januson, a young widower and father who is struggling to make ends meet while caring for his two children. Bridges shows the depth of pain and confusion felt by a man who has never been poor before, who has never been unemployed before and, as a result, is too proud to accept charity, even if he fully deserves a hand up. His 11 year old son decides to take on the role of bread-winner, coming up with an ambitious scheme to raise money, a courageous decision that nearly results in complete tragedy. But this is a mere bare-bones sketch of a rich, detailed movie. The pace is slow enough to show all the decisions faced by this family every day - the times when a simple meal, clean clothes and a safe, comfortable place to live can't be taken for granted. The pain, despair and self-reliance required to get through each day is portrayed without sentimentality or manipulative drama and the young actor and actress playing the children in this one are superb and keep the movie solidly grounded. A rare heart-tugging film that makes you think about deeper issues in our society and culture.

Every "middle" class teen in America should see this!
This is one of the best movies I've seen to relate a real problem, too often we are so busy helping "mankind' we forget about the "MAN".This movie explains what its like to go from self supporting to poor overnight, every "middle class" teen and their parents should watch this movie, they will gain a new understanding of how fortunate they are. Perhaps they will even look closer at those around them, neighbor co-worker,church member etc..who may not be "making it" due to job loss or other problems and take them a meal or two!Don't wait for them to ask! thats the message of hidden in america. Hats off to the Bridges!Bless you! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Jeff Bridges may be the American film actor with the most unseen great performances to his credit. Near the top of the list of Bridges's most overlooked films is this one, the first fiction film by documentary maker Martin Bell (Streetwise). Bridges plays Jack, an ex-con fresh out of prison and back in Seattle, where he is joined by Nick (Edward Furlong), a teenage son he barely knows. Nick wants nothing more than to spend time with Jack, to feel like a family. But Jack can barely cope with the concept of holding a job and staying out of trouble; he can hardly take care of himself, let alone be responsible for a teenager. Bell shows the toll on both as they slowly develop a bond and, after several false starts, learn to trust and care for each other. Bridges is magnificent as this loner who must learn to trust feelings he'd given up on years before. It's an involving and tragic tale. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (7)

ed furlong great as ever. jeff bridges is like no other.
2 great actors in one movie and one little actress (tracy kapisky that was never heard of again).
jack was a theft, he just got out and is wanting a strait life. he just wants to go get his dream and he doesnt want anyone meddeling in his buisness while hes getting his end and getting out. everything goes wrong. jack gets picked up by his near forgotten son nick carrying little more than a suitcase and a picture of a pig. nick wants to be reunited with his father. unlike jack hes actually been waiting around for his dad to get out so they could again be a family whereas jack didnt care. after many unsuccessful attempts to ditch nick jack takes in his son and tries to be any kind of father hes capable of which may not be much but fatherly love hed put away is only realised when grows fear that he may lose his son to crime.
along the story you also meet 3 other people. nicks best friend played by :Christian Frizzell ... Rollie
Rollies devoted but can be a dumb kid sometimes. hes a skater from the corner who sales for the post with nick. he is also associated with the group of hustlers that nicks friends with on the corner.
then you have tracey kapisky who plays Molly
Molly is Nicks big crush. shes loud mouthed, sly, street smart and pretty. shes also a prostitute and dances for private parties. nick wants to settle down with this one...
then you have Lucinda Jenney who plays Charlotte, the woman that Jacks been writing from a magazine called "american heart" in which they began writing letters while Jack was in prison. Charlotte isnt stupid. Shes also a good woman and tries really hard to be there for Jack and help him help himself and help him in any way she can. She also tries to be there for Nick but nick hates her because he doesnt care for the intrusion.
Then you have Rainey but im not telling you about Rainey..

Martin Bell's American Heart
This film has an excellent cast rising above some lackluster material you have seen before in other "angry ex-con" driven stories.

Jack (Jeff Bridges) is a recently released convict who tries to dump his fifteen year old son Nick (Edward Furlong) in the very first scene. Jack heads to Seattle, with Nick following, in order to set up a new life without the bothers of fatherhood. Jack meets with his old partner in crime Rainey (Don Harvey), who pays Jack a little money. Jack gets a job washing windows on high rise buildings, and settles into a small apartment.

And then there is Nick. He has left Jack's sister's farm to live with him. He skips out on registering for school, and hangs around some homeless street kids downtown. Jack is boozing his way through Seattle, meeting up with Charlotte, who used to write him by way of a personals magazine called "American Heart." Nick gets a job delivering newspapers, and Nick and Jack share their little apartment, upstairs from a topless dancer and her troubled teen daughter Molly (Tracey Kapisky).

The film then meanders through scenes of Jack and Nick arguing, then grudgingly making up, trying to develop some sort of normal relationship. Rainey cannot get Jack to come back to crime, but he does eventually get Nick to serve as a lookout for a job. Jack is saving for an impossible dream of moving to Alaska, and Nick wants to help. Nick and Molly grow closer, and Nick shoplifts a pair of shoes for her. Jack discovers the merchandise, along with some weed. Rainey robs Jack, who is also evicted and fired from his job.

Eventually, the cast begins spiraling downward, as Nick gets involved in a burglary for Rainey that goes horribly wrong, and Molly begins taking after her mother. Jack and Nick decide to leave Seattle, but Jack needs to take care of one more thing first...

Martin Bell was responsible for "Streetwise," the gritty documentary about homeless street kids that is among the greatest documentaries ever produced. He used this experience with this fictional film, but I found this screenplay often resorted to Hollywood convention. The ex-con trying to make it on the outside has been done, but maybe not this well acted before.

I wish Jeff Bridges would just win an Oscar. His performance here is wonderful. He is flawed, and his behavior is innate. He does not want a relationship with Nick, and makes that all too obvious without resorting to stereotypical behavior. Bridges even has a light moment, when Jack's parole officer Normandy (Melvyn Hayward) is banging on the apartment door, and a hungover Jack finds underage Molly fast asleep at the foot of his bed.

Furlong, who I have never liked in anything, gives his best performance here, too. I noticed his scenes where he plays opposite adults are more effective than when he is dealing with his teenage contemporaries. He is sympathetic without being saintly or cutesy. Jack and Nick's argument in the apartment, where Nick smashes a treasured ukulele, is strong stuff. Lucinda Jenney as Charlotte is also good, although Bell unwisely drops her character from the last part of the film after we have become so involved with her. While Don Harvey as Rainey is okay, there is a mentor relationship with Jack that is never fully explored. He looks Furlong's age, someone with a harder edge may have made more of an impact.

"American Heart" is a decent film that should be sought out for the acting. Jeff Bridges deserves all the praise he has ever received, and this film should have given him more than he got.

Should have been released in widescreen.
Having previously bought the Artisan release of "Mountains of the Moon", I was hoping that this labeling was faulty just as the labeling had been on that disc. Both DVD's were labeled as standard versions. Whereas "Mountains of the Moon" was, in reality, a widescreen presentation, "American Heart" is sadly fullscreen, just as the packaging indicates. Why do companies, such as Artisan, insist on releasing movies in fullscreen?! Like many other viewers, I abhor pan and scan.

A basic story, but acting and plot win the day
The story is pretty simple, we've seen it all before, but a great human element and excellent acting make this film.

This movie was filmed in Seattle, in the apartment building I was living in at the time. My brother and I met Jeff Bridges and Edward Furlong, and got to see the filming (at least at that location). What an adventure that was for both of us! However, neither of us were extras in the film and we don't appear in the movie.

Someday I'll set up a website with little known facts about this one. A DVD release would be nice, since it appears the movie is out of print and destined for obscurity. What a loss that would be.

Killer movie!
If you've seen the documentary Sreetwise and loved it.You've got to see this movie!It's fictional but anyone who has seen Streetwise will instantly recognize some of the lines.Jeff Bridges portrays "Jack" perfectly.Every "dirty white boy" knows someone like ol'Jack! Second favorite movie of all time behind Streetwise. ... Read more