crazy/beautiful

The Herald of Christian Science

Within the genre of teen movies, it's difficult to find a film with any depth, or that explores the relationships and emotions of young people in a realistic way. Crazy/beautiful, however, is a welcome relief from the usual formulaic style of most teen films. Yes, it's about an unlikely romance between two teenagers. But it's also the convincing story of a rebellious young woman who finds her way out of depression through the transforming power of unconditional love.

The film centers on the interracial relationship of Nicole (Kirsten Dunst) and Carlos (Jay Hernandez). Carlos is a Mexican-American from a poor neighborhood, whose dream is to be accepted at a prestigious university. Nicole is the wealthy Anglo daughter of a Congressman, whose mother's suicide has broken her trust in people. They begin dating, and despite class lines and disapproval from family, they fall in love. After suffering several trials of their love, Carlos helps Nicole realize she needs to change her life, and correct past mistakes.

Interwoven in this romance is another story — that of Nicole's relationship with her father. She has grown distant from her dad, who has remarried and had another child. Because of his job, he's never around. But he's deeply sorrowful over their estrangement.

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