Thirteen (2003)

Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke | 95 minutes | biography, drama | Actors: Evan Rachel Wood, Nikki Reed, Holly Hunter, Jeremy Sisto, Brady Corbet, Deborah Kara Unger, Kip Pardue, Sarah Clarke, DW Moffett, Vanessa Anne Hudgens, Jenicke Carey, Ulysses Estrada, Sarah Cartwright, Jasmine Salim, Tessa Ludwick

The story of ‘Thirteen’ was written by director Hardwicke and actress Nikki Reed. The story is based in part on Reed’s life. In this film she plays the role of Evie. In her life, Reed herself was attracted to the popularity of other girls, in this film she herself plays the most popular girl in the school.

The story of the film sounds as cliché as can be. Countless films have been made on this subject. Does ‘Thirteen’ add anything to all the teen movies that have flooded the cinemas in recent years? The answer is yes. ‘Thirteen’ has become a very strong and moving film. Reed and Hardwicke’s script is honest, realistic and raw. This film paints a picture of a normal girl who becomes unmanageable. There is no finger of accusation, there are no ‘bad’ and ‘good’ people. The most difficult time for young people is puberty. Raging hormones and a lack of communication are what are causing Tracy’s problems, not her supposedly “wrong” friend Evie. Every character has good and bad sides. No one is guilty or innocent.

Tracy, 13, is played by actress Evan Rachel Wood. The playing of this young actress is very impressive. Rarely has anyone acted so naturally, at times it seems as if you are watching a documentary instead of just a movie. Wood plays a very intense role and she manages to put down a believable metamorphosis from a shy girl to a popular girl. She even stars off screen co-writer Nikki Reed. Which doesn’t mean that Reed’s acting is bad, quite the contrary. Despite her role as a ‘bad girl’, she always manages to arouse sympathy. Her friendship for Tracy is genuine and she doesn’t want to hurt her. The chemistry between Reed and Wood is fantastic. They play very well together.

Acting veteran Holly Hunter also deserves an honorable mention as Tracy’s mother. Slowly she loses her grip on her daughter. She becomes more and more distraught, Hunter interprets this sublimely. The dialogues between her and Wood are harsh and rough. ‘Thirteen’ is by no means a romanticized ‘coming of age’ story, it is a heartbreaking drama about the estrangement between mother and daughter. ‘Thirteen’ is a modern classic.