This is a realistic film of how it was. I lived as a street kid in Seattle in the early 80s. I was there as a runaway on the Ave and downtown. This film was actually made/filmed in 1982-83 and released in 1984.

The saddest part is the father in jail, helpless and shattered, full of regret. Great movie.

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A landmark documentary Jan 3 2012

By K. Gordon TOP 50 REVIEWER

Format:VHS Tape

The filmmakers spending months with runaway teens on the streets of
Seattle, to gain their trust and allow them to be filmed.

There is something oddly 'stagy' about some of the behavior. The kids
are clearly aware of the camera. Yet, as one writer pointed out, that's
also part of the power of the film, since adolescence has so much
posturing and acting out anyway.

The film tries to stay un-judgemental and avoids commentating in obvious
ways, sometimes at the expense of seeming disconnected or uncomfortable
voyeuristic.

Yet there are moments of tremendous power here, both in seeing these
kids cling to what bits of joy they can find, and to each other, and in
seeing the grim realities of both their street and home lives, in
hard-to-believe detail. A variable film, but a special, important one.

It's absurd that this important, award winning documentary has never
been brought to DVD.

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Martin Bell's magnum opus... Feb 10 2004

By T.G.

Format:VHS Tape

For those who suspect this film was "scripted" (not surprising in the current age of irony and cynicism) -- drop by Mary Ellen Mark's website (Photographs, do a web search) and click on Books, then "Streetwise," then read the preface and postscript, which reveals quite a bit more about the film. Then think to yourself -- do you know any *professional* adolescent actors talented enough to pull off a scripted version of Streetwise?

It should dawn on you then, that Streetwise is one of a kind. There may have been some hamming in front of the camera, but I'm fairly certain none of this was scripted. I'm not sure what it was competing against that year at the Academy Awards, but imagine if it had won... the film would certainly still be in print (probably restored and out on DVD), and the next generation would have the opportunity to see this important work of art... also, Martin Bell would probably have gotten more work as befits his incredible talents. As it stands, I figure this just may have been too painful to watch for Academy voters... or I wonder if they thought it was scripted too.

Anyway, this film is a "must-see" even if you have to buy an expensive, used copy. Of course I may be somewhat biased... I live in and grew up in (near) Seattle, and have met the director (I was living nearby where "American Heart" was filmed). Still, this is a truly unforgettable film -- it isn't easy to watch sometimes, but you'll be rewarded a hundred times over.

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Invocative and Probing Work

Streetwise is a compelling documentary and social study that spotlights the homeless population by focusing on adolescents. Read more

Published on Jan 14 2002 by tanya chapman

Their lives were heart-wrenching

Mary Ellen Mark and Martin Bell created the most memorable documentary ever .Steetwise should have won the oscar in which it was nominated for. Read more