We accept the love we feel we deserve

Rating: 8/10 (29 November 2012)

High school was a difficult time for many people, I think. This movie taps into that by telling the story of Charlie, and his attempt to fit in during his first year of high school in Pittsburgh in 1991. The movie is narrated, the story being told through Charlie's "Dear Friend" letters.
He eventually finds a group of seniors, and falls in love with one of them, Sam (played by Emma Watson). The movie tells the coming-of-age story of his first real group of friends, parties, romances and sexual encounters.
The movie does not have much of a plot. Its strengths are character development and showing us what first year at this high school was like for Charlie, especially the experience of finally fitting in, the fun things that his new group does and his budding interest in literature and writing. His family and other aspects of his life are shown to a lesser extent. Not all of the clichés of American high-school movies are dodged, but still I felt drawn in to this world.
We find out that pretty well everyone in Charlie's new group is struggling with problems of their own.
Charlie (played by Logan Lerman) is a highly likable, sociable, respectful, intelligent, articulate and attractive teenager coming from a loving and prosperous family (so for some viewers it may be hard to see what his problem is exactly). However, as the movie progresses we find out that he is dealing with a few serious issues, so this is not just a story of ordinary teenage angst.
This movie (thoughtful, despite its subject) made me think of my own high school experiences. It had a few profound and moving moments.
Worth seeing.