Shkola

The plot revolves around one particular class in an ordinary Russian school in bedroom suburb of Moscow. Unlike many other works of the same field it's hard to figure out who are the main and supporting characters, it's rather a cross section of a daily school life with all its ins and outs.

Much like Germanika's other works the atmosphere on set is extremely close to reality: the school is a real school, the camera is shaking, the kids are talking the way they talk in real life stumbling in their speech occasionally. The themes portrayed in the movie include: drinking, smoking, having sex, teen violence, revolt against parents and school administration, climbing the hill of class hierarchy, or in other words everything almost every 16 year old goes through in one way or another while being at school. Realistic characters and shocking content with life served to the audience "as is" make the series to stand out among other films portraying teen life.

While being aired in prime time on a federal channel "Shkola" was criticized for almost exclusive focusing on the darker side of adolescent years: rude language, taking alcohol and smoking on screen, violence and portraying teachers and other adults as base, egotistic, self-centered people. However, the public uproar and constant requests from various groups and individuals to stop airing the series only gave it a popularity boost.

The movie is recommended for everyone who is interested in a true face of today teens.