A different way of telling a story

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

I should have taken the hint by the words that appeared on screen at the beginning of the movie, where boot camps such as the one portrayed here were described as unregulated and without oversight. What followed, unfortunately, was a scathing review of boot camps that are designed to reform troubled teenagers. The perspective of this movie is to shine a negative light on authority figures and cast the troubled teens first as victims, then as heroes. Scant attention is given to why the teens have been brought to the boot camp, and that any possible good could come from an extended stay in a highly disciplined environment. Instead the focus is on the flaws of those in charge. Too many unanswered questions arise in the plot while it weaves its way toward the teens escaping. Was it the teens' moral compass that inspired their desire to escape, or their natural rebellious tendencies taking shape long after their own parents had given up on them? This is never really answered, and makes it difficult for the viewer to feel any empathy toward the main characters.The ending is the most ridiculous part, where the former teen prisoners regain their freedom. First they burn down the village on the isolated island, which was their only means of shelter. Then they run free around the island, but where are they to go? They are still on an isolated island. It is the final insult to the viewer, who has been insulted through out the movie.

Movies like these don't come around very often. Know I am not saying this movie was incredible because it wasn't. But it is the kinda movie that makes you think about tragedy's that happen in this life. Basically the plot is easy to follow and easily drags you in. Norman Hail ( Peter Stormare ) runs a camp where parents send there kids to him and he tries to steer them straight. You could tell that this wasn't going to be a normal camp for kids. He uses humiliation as a form of torture. I Mainly loved the movie because of the two main characters Mila Kunis and Gregory Smith. Most torture movies the whole plot is everyone is trying to get out of the place where they are being tortured which is why I loved the movie because that wasn't the case for most of the characters. A lot of the characters were starting to believe in Norman Hails brainwashing method.There was no ridiculous stupid sex scenes so don't watch it if that's what you are looking for, it was the one of the most realistic psychological torture stories I have probably watched and that says a lot because I have seen tons of movies.If you are looking for a movie that makes you think about about sadistic stuff that happens in real life then watch this movie. I give it a 6.5 / 10

Not really sure why it was categorized as a suspense/thriller... there was nothing suspenseful or thrilling about it at all. The beginning was a bit slow, and to be honest, it didn't really pick up until the last thirty minutes or so. I think the only reason I kept watching was because I knew it was based on actual events, and that compelled me to continue. It was very 'Island of Dr. Moreau'-esque. I didn't really make that connection until about two-thirds through the movie, but once I did, there was no denying the parallels. It's almost as if it was a cross between 'The Island of Dr. Moreau' and 'Hotel Rwanda,' as disturbing as that sounds. It had the same general plot line as IoDM but also with the same sense of candidness that was in HR. Like I said... disturbing... especially when you consider that it's based on real events.

Within the first ten seconds, the movie introduction says, "There are over 200 hundred Boot Camps..." -_- Other than that, this movie was pretty amazing. I felt captivated from the first scene, and only became more intrigued as the story line progressed. There were some satisfyingly, unexpected turnouts, and I loved that. However, the ending...I didn't buy it.Overall, the plot made me think, and I could really feel for the characters. It's shocking to see that camps like this exist, but I feel that this film has definitely raised awareness. Definitely worth watching. Plus, Mila Kunis is a beautiful woman to watch =)