Russian with English subtitles. But the present forces Karl to deal with the more urgent concerns presented to a boy on the threshold of manhood - the nature of love and friendship, the arena of the body, the encroachments of politics and the dangers of sex. They want respect in a world which seemingly has none to give to the poor and the young. You accumulate money and power. Vito and the others find power in their numbers and in the barrel of a handgun.
Money is accumulated by purse snatchings, theft, shakedowns and intimidation.
Dealing drugs and selling your body to wealthy men helps to bring in the money as well. A period of incarceration is not a major set-back for Vito. While in the borstal he may be raped, tattooed, beaten and bullied by the much older boys who surround him, but he emerges from the experience tougher, harder and even more determined, even less concerned for those around him. The total portrait of these cynical pre-teens who are experienced, despairing and crudely knowledgeable beyond their years is chilling and disturbing. Italian spoken with French subtitles .