"Pretty Boy"
1993
Directed by Carsten Sonder

Unflinching and harshly poetic, Pretty Boy chronicles a 13 year-old runaway's coming-of-age as a Copenhagen street hustler. Danish director Carsten Sonder's first feature is a compelling, in-your-face exploration of innocence plundered and lost. Alienated by his mother, Nick flees his dysfunctional home. Fatherless, he actively seeks out the companionship of older men. A closeted middle-age astronomer treats Nick kindly and allows him a place of temporary refuge.  Adopted by a band of violent street hustlers, Nick finds refuge again - and unexpected first love. Led by an androgynous girl who masquerades as a boy, Nick and his gang friends engage in vengeful acts of escalating physical violence leading to a manipulated, tragic and irrevocable gutwrenching conclusion. Riveting and unforgettable, Christen Tafdrup's portrayal of the troubled Nick is deft and multi-layered, a haunting mix of vulnerability and sadistic street smart.Tightly scripted, crisply edited and exquisitely photographed. Ranks among the most powerful exploration of teen prostitution ever rendered on film. Viewer desecration is advised. Contains graphic language, nudity and a mature sexual theme. Danish with English subtitles. Color.  86 minutes.