THE VIRGIN SUICIDES

Director Sofia Coppola / 1999 / USA

Based on the acclaimed bestseller by Jeffrey Eugenides, Sofia Coppola's (Francis Ford Coppola's daughter) debut feature is a darkly humourous, tender exploration of the heart of adolescence, accompanied by an atmospheric score by the French group, Air.

Set in Michigan in the 1970s, The Virgin Suicides chronicles the exploits of the beautiful teenage Lisbon sisters and the neighbourhood boys who are fascinated with them. When the youngest Lisbon sister kills herself the boys' obsession with the girls sharpens as they are taken out of school by their parents-edgy teacher father James Woods and strict religious mother Kathleen Turner. The boys plot to rescue the sisters who are prisoners in their own home, communicating with them by any means possible. Piercing the heart of suburban teens' The Virgin Suicides evokes American Beauty and The ice Storm, but pushes the boundaries further with its macabre events and gothic feel. Coppola has fortunately been blessed with her father's storytelling skills and the ability to draw strong performances from an impressive cast.

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