"Mysterious Skin" is right on the mark. Araki explores ten years in the lives of two youths who were abused as children. Araki shows how each youth struggles to get a grip on some sort of normality in life. Importantly he also shows the abuser's self-justification process.
We are given a hell of a lot of brain exercise during this film. It is by equal amounts compelling, moving, beautiful and shocking.
We see that although the youths' parents were not directly to blame for the abuse, they certainly contributed through indifference or inaction. Hopefully viewers will be strongly inclined to take a proactive interest in the empowerment and protection of their children. Child abuse affects the victim for life.
Mysterious Skin deserves to reach the widest possible audience, but I would caution that victims of sexual abuse may find this film to be very traumatic. They should go with a trusted friend, and have access to suitable counseling.
We are given a hell of a lot of brain exercise during this film. It is by equal amounts compelling, moving, beautiful and shocking.
We see that although the youths' parents were not directly to blame for the abuse, they certainly contributed through indifference or inaction. Hopefully viewers will be strongly inclined to take a proactive interest in the empowerment and protection of their children. Child abuse affects the victim for life.
Mysterious Skin deserves to reach the widest possible audience, but I would caution that victims of sexual abuse may find this film to be very traumatic. They should go with a trusted friend, and have access to suitable counseling.