Boot Camp

Plot synopsis:
This film is the story of a group of unruly teenagers whose parents send them to a rehabilitation boot camp to turn them around. The camp collects each child individually, then delivers them to the boot camp facility on a remote island in Fiji. There are no walls to stop the teenagers from leaving, but escape is impractical due to the surrounding sea. On arriving at the camp, the teenagers are forced to wear cuffs with sensors around their ankles if they attempt to escape, security will be alerted.Dr. Hail (Peter Stormare), who runs the camp, forces the teens to work constantly. He has them clean the camp, grow plants, and has them rebuild the camp after it was damaged in a storm. Campers are required to wear color coded t-shirts. First, new arrivals are given black t-shirts. They progress to yellow and then white. The teens earn a white shirt once they have been "corrected." They do not do work; they become staff members and abuse the other inmates and monitor their work. Among the staff is an ex-Marine recruit. He is very tough towards the inmates and makes deals with girls in exchange for sex.The main teenagers featured are Sophie (Mila Kunis), her boyfriend Ben (Gregory Smith who gets himself sent to the camp to rescue her), Danny (who arrives with Sophie) and Trina, Sophie's bunkmate. As time passes on the island, Sophie rebels more and more against Dr. Hail, and once Ben joins her, the two escape to a nearby island. However, they are recaptured, and Ben is told he will be sent home. One morning, whilst on a run, Logan, the former Army recruit, has the male teenagers go swimming. However, Danny, who can't swim, drowns, and Logan tries to get Ben to help cover it up by threatening him with solitary confinement, but Ben refuses.Meanwhile, Sophie discovers that Logan has raped Trina, and when Logan is put before the camp to admit responsibility for Danny's death, she reveals this to the rest of the teenagers, many of whom also were offered yellow shirts by Logan in exchange for sex. As the teenagers surround Logan, Sophie turns the attention onto Hail, at which point Ben announces to the shocked teenagers that this isn't the first death to occur on a camp run by Dr. Hail.The teenagers run amok, burning down the entire campsite, and then go after Logan, who dies when his jeep crashes into a burning building. At this point they turn their attention solely to Hail, who tries to shoot them in the hope that he can restore order. However, after finding out his gun wasn't loaded, he is thrown into solitary confinement, to be left for the police to arrest. As the film fades out we see images of the teenagers celebrating freedom swimming in the ocean. A message also appears on screen stating that since the 1970's, when these type of camps were introduced in real life, over 40 deaths have occurred.

Tags: romantic

Review:
The film makes you think about what kind of programs like "ASAP" exists today.
"Tough Love" Boot Camps are portrayed correctly in this movie, and in some cases, the real camps are much more difficult experiences.
Pulling no punches in exposing the cruelty that exists in these rehabilitation centers you frequently find yourself a little uneasy with this films content (especially upon remembering that this was based on true events).
After a serious incident with his guests at home, she is sent to the ASAP  Advanced Serenity Achievement Program  a correctional facility in Fiji Island leaded by Norman Hail (Peter Stormare), who self-entitles doctor, to be rehabilitated in a socially acceptable pattern of behavior.
Meanwhile her boyfriend Ben (Gregory Smith) forces a situation at home to be sent to the same boot camp and escape with Sophie."Boot Camp" explains in the very beginning that is based on a true event; therefore it seems that it really does exist places like the Serenity Camp in the world.
The story does not have the intention to discuss whether these boot camps are necessary or not, but to show a specific place directed by an unprepared man with psychological problems that uses torture techniques as if the end could justify the means.
The story is entertaining, but some of the teenagers (and parents) depicted in the movie really deserve to be sent to a correctional facility or to a shrink to resolve their issues.
It's shocking to see that camps like this exist, but I feel that this film has definitely raised awareness.
Plus the story is based on true events.Parents who think their children are out of control send them away to camp serenity where they think they are being looked after, little do they know its a torture camp with twisted, manipulated methods to get the kids to change.This is a great night in flick, I recommend it.
I liked the movie for its different approach and the questions it raises and forces us to ponder over the issue of such camps as ASAP.
I think all the actors did a pretty good job portraying the characters that the movie is about.
Her parents are worried about her odd and relentless behavior toward her new stepfather, so they send her to boot camp (I would have sent her to a Daddy-Daughter Dance, saves money).Boot Camp members basically brutally kidnap Sophie and take her to a remote island off of Fiji.
Instead of being a training camp like expected, it turns out to be an endless abuse and embarrassment school.People are locked in holes, thrown in mud, and beat with rods when refuse to do their work or just simply tired.
Unlike in Saw where a killer with lollipop circles on his face tries to lock you up in traps, this one is actually likable and realistic.The concept is stunning and meaningful and makes you feel as if you lived the story happening to these characters.
Perhaps not the excellent actor performance but the story behind the movie.I've finished watching it a few minutes ago and felt like I needed to do a short review on it.
First of, don't get fooled by the start, as I've heard people saying they wanted to stop watching after the first 15 minutes, ignore that if you're interested in seeing a good movie based on a true story.The action of the movie is excellent, perhaps a bit exaggerated but nevertheless close to the truth as it was then.
In order to really understand the movie you have to look beyond the actors and the location of the movie and think about the situation that's being presented.All in all an exceptional film that presents what could have happened in a 'tough love camp', the ignorance of some, the joy of others and the desperate need of freedom after such an experience..
I could name plenty high-budget high-return movies that were less thought-out and a lot more cheese and that were seemingly produced on autopilot by point-missing robots who are lucky enough to be able to afford headline-grabbing CGI effects.Also, it made me aware that such places exist as Cross Creek and Tranquility Bay. Although I can forgive a movie for dramatising something "based on a true story" I was left wanting to find out more and judge for myself.Anyway, this objectively deserves an 8, I think.
Supposedly based on real events, this is about teenagers being sent away to camps to be disciplined.
If I hadn't been through a brainwashing camp myself as a teenager I wouldn't think this movie was anything more than an interesting watch.
But, the reality is that I know this type of abuse (and worse) happens in boot camps, wilderness programs, therapeutic boarding schools, residential treatment centers, teen drug rehabs and many other programs in the United States and Canada.
I witnessed it and experienced it myself at age 14-16.Due to the reality that this movie portrays and the lack of attention given to this problem in our society, I applaud all who were part of the making of this movie.If anyone would like to know more about this very real issue of kids being brainwashed, tortured and killed in teen programs, Google FORNITS (a forum for those who were victims of these programs), Human Earth Animal Liberation (HEAL), International Survivors Action Committee (ISAC), Teen Advocates USA.Find the Youtube video of "Martin Lee Anderson" being killed by staff in a boot camp caught on surveillance video (the staff were not convicted of the murder but were all acquitted!).The movie itself is absolutely worth watching, although some parts are a little over the top, because the premise of the movie is based on actual events that have and do happen all across this country.
Plus many horrors that happen in these programs were not shown in this movie.I almost forgot to mention the bill in congress titled H.R.911 that is aimed at regulating these programs so kids are not abused and killed in them.
A 'boot camp', as shown in this film, makes a convenient place wealthy parents can send their out-of-control teenage children to.
I didn't know they existed in this form, but can imagine very well why.When it comes to the pictured camp-life, I don't see much difference with a regular army place.
Inevitably bringing in some crime & casualties.Although getting a little melodramatic at times, 'Boot Camp' makes a good watch.
But these people (especially the main character) are obnoxious creeps!The film's target audience of fourteen-year-olds might not realize it, but making sexual abuse allegations against someone simply because they "cramp your style" is a nasty, vicious thing to do.
After embarrassing him, he sends her away to fake doctor Hail (Peter Stormare)'s isolated boot camp Camp Serenity on Fiji island for a year.
It's a place of disturbing psychological torture and brutality enforced by security chief Logan.This is an useful movie for parents to see the waving red flags.
The problem for this movie is that it seems to be trying to make a point about all of the boot camps.
Sophie Bauer (Mila Kunis) is sent to this camp in Fiji, because she's spoiled and doesn't get along with her step father.
Overall, Boot Camp is a somewhat strange movie, but it has a terrific pair leading the way.
It's amusing to see that I've seen movies like Boot Camp before, from the hippie "Punishment Park" in the 70's to the Olivia Hussey "Turkey Shoot" which blended this genre, amusingly, with "The Most Dangerous Game" this type of material is not exactly original.
So the parents are made to look like fools and uncaring simpletons while the writer and director look to make you sympathize with these kids when they get to the island.
We all know that Hollywood always does amp things Basically the movie makes these kids out to be victims while in reality they are spoiled little brats who need a beating to straighten them out.
The one and only reason I finished watching it was because I was also hoping for some kind of "realization" by these kids at the end of the film that even though the camp leaders were wrong in what they did, but also that they themselves needed to grow up and be accountable.
this is a movie made to manipulate your thinking into that "If it feels good, do it, and to hell with any kind of rules and regulations".
I know that giving a film a bad review for being controversial will only make people want to watch it more.
But if you want to feel absolutely lousy about how people think things should be in this world (I'm speaking about the makers of this film and a few of the posters on this site) then by all means knock yourself out.
Peter Stormare, a/k/a "Scary guy from Fargo" doesn't convince as the Dr. Moreau of Teen Rehab, some of the acting is stiff, and in the end I just wished they would have filmed a documentary on real-life "tough love" camps instead -- I think that would have been far more interesting and emotional (and cost a heck of a lot less than $14 million).Not recommended, unless you're a die-hard "Family Guy" addict that just has to see each and every film starring the voice of Meg Griffin..
They may not have showed all that happens at these places, but they showed what needed to be showed and I am glad to know people are a little more knowledgeable now that they have seen this film..
Norman Hail ( Peter Stormare ) runs a camp where parents send there kids to him and he tries to steer them straight.
I Mainly loved the movie because of the two main characters Mila Kunis and Gregory Smith.
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.
Christian Duguay has brought some good but not amazing movies in Art of War, Extreme ops and the mini series Human Trafficking but this is far far below his best.The story is average although the movies does not look like a cheap budget film with ropey sound, casting and cinematography.
There are no major action scenes, no dramatic story, no humour, no real suspense, in fact on reflection i am not sure what there was that made the movie very interesting.Your story is around an island where parents send their uncontrollable teens for a harsh lesson in life through a BOOT CAMP.
I was thinking all the way through right, abandoned island, rebellious kids, brutal guards....here comes the updated version of Ray Liottas No Escape but what i got was Survivor without the tribal councils and any of the trials !!!!.
Great movie for program vets to watch with friends and loved ones who want a better understanding, but probably little general appeal.
I can easily imagine someone watching Boot Camp then calling up a friend who may have been through something like this and saying "Holy s**t, was it like that?" So it's good, entertaining drama with real educational potential.
However, I would not recommend that anyone send any kid, however ill-behaved, to a boot camp.
The story is about a correctional youth camp located in the remote Fiji islands, where parents send troublesome kids in order to get their kids back on the right track.
"Boot Camp" features all the delicious ingredients to be a genuine piece of 70's exploitation trash: a tropical island location, naughty boys and wayward girls, a false but power-mad authority figure, perverted and corrupted guards, punishment pits and lots of cat fights in the mud!
Unfortunately, however, we live in the post-2000 years and true exploitation as we knew it is long dead and buried Admittedly "Boot Camp" isn't a horrible film, but fact of the matter remains that director Christian Duguay and his crew didn't have the guts to include any actual violence, sleaze or shocking content.
The film allegedly criticizes the real-life rehabilitation camps and their working methods, but who cares?
If you've ever considered sending your kid to boot camp, please watch this movie first.
i don't like her, and i would support the decision to send her to boot camp.
How can anyone adjust to normal life after experiencing something like this?Boot Camp is shot in a very interesting way.
Sophie asks boyfriend something ,and he hesitates but after sometime he realizes what love is and...Mila Kunis is like always...You have minimum two reasons to watch this movie.
The story is about a behavior modification camp for teens whose parents don't know what else to do.
In addition, there are people at the camp abusing their power and taking advantage of kids who must behave submissively to gain privileges and eventually be released.I think if I wanted to know more about these behavior camps, I would watch a documentary instead of a work of fiction.
It does get you thinking a little bit about what kinds of treatment might be appropriate for out of control teens, but this film won't try to answer that.
Spoiled rich kids with drug and behavior problems are sent off to a rehab/boot camp in Fiji.
The camp abuses them and they eventually revolt.True exploitation film is a piece of trash morally.
While I think the film is correct to challenge the notions of "tough love" camps like this, many of which have done some good, the fact that the cathartic moment comes when the camp is set on fire and people are killed kind of defeats the purpose.
Then again I'm not the audience for this film, which is the age group of the kids sent off to camp itself.In its favor its well acted and beautiful to look at.
Mila Kunis is one of the many kids taken from their homes by two thugs hired by their parents for a tough love camp, yes, literally these guys are not suspiciously criminal at all.
But when it isn't following any kind of truth or reality the movie is scenes of teenagers on the island abusing each other typical stuff, rape, beatings with sticks, and pushing people in mud.
This movie isn't at all good, it bores me to tears, the only thing going for it is Peter Stormare and Mila Kunis.
And it is far from the truth on tough love camps, and keep in mind I don't even know, but I know it's probably most likely not like this movie at all..
The trouble is that Dr. Hill's methods don't always work and somethings leads to the people he's trying to cure to end up dead.It's when Ben, Gregory Smith, faked his way into Camp Serenity by posing as a heroin addict that things really started to get out of hand there.
Instead, all "Boot Camp" gives us is a boy-and-girl in love against the "bad guys" and parents who "just don't understand." The characters are very superficial and all the drama is romanticized.
If you DON'T think this movie has been manufactured by a bunch of Hollywood-types to pander to teen focus groups, think about the absolute absurdity of a teenage boy flying to Fiji with a pretend Heroin habit just so he can save his snotty and unappealing girlfriend who even HE doesn't appear to like in the first minutes of the film.
Although admittedly entertaining and mostly well acted, Boot Camp feels like a movie written by troubled teenagers who are unable to see beyond their angst and hopelessness.
The result is a "misunderstood kids" versus "evil authority figures" storyline that was disappointing in its singular focus and lack of meaning.The idea of the film is actually quite interesting, and it reminded me of another flick about a troubled teen made in 1989 called Lost Angels.
The difference between the two movies, however, is that the angry young man in Lost Angels actually learns something about himself and comes to understand how his actions got him into trouble in the first place.
In Boot Camp, Mila Kunis stars as a young woman who is actually not a very nice person and learns nothing about herself throughout the story.
Her boyfriend tries to rescue her by pretending to be a heroin addict, so that his parents will send him to the same boot camp.
His plan works and the film slips into a fairly routine "prison escape" flick.What's so disappointing in Boot Camp is the lost potential it had to show many different sides to the same story.
His plan of "saving" kids through these labor-intensive boot camps with extremely strict rules and consequences is not new and it has been proved to work in real life.
At first it looked like the tough love camp was just what these kids needed!
This movie is based upon true events and why shouldn't we all stand shouting hell yeah as a camp which served as a torture chamber for some innocent kids burn to the ground?
Her acting out was completely justified so yes she was a witch, yes she was a bratty girl but did she really deserve such torture as being placed in a camp like that?
It worked to create a whole series of horror movies.On a side note, I actually agree with a few of the reviewers who said that these bratty spoiled kids deserved it, but in reality no parents would send their kids to the Fiji Islands to learn anything.
This isn't a Basic Training Military Boot Camp movie..