Review of On My Own

On My Own (1991)
8/10
Overview and Commentary
16 December 2001
On My Own is a very good coming-of-age film depicting Simon, a boy who lives at a boarding school in Canada, which is the primary setting for the movie.

During the Christmas break, Simon learns that his mother had a "breakdown" through his father. After visiting her at the hospital and learning her incapacity to spend the holidays with him, the boy chooses to return to the board instead of going on a ski trip with his father.

Having been incapable to see her son during the holidays, Simon's mother decides to visit him at school and informs him that she suffers from schizophrenia.

The movie focuses mainly on Simon's boarding lifestyle and his relationship with his mother, rather than his relationship with his mother's illness. Schizophrenia plays but a very superficial role in this movie.

However it was not what I expected, because of a misleading review, I greatly enjoyed this film. The movie in all its aspects is extremely well balanced. The characters are very well acted, the storyline is appealing, realistic and doesn't drip from emotions.

In summary, a very good, pleasant and balanced coming of age film.
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