Wasted Youth is inspired by a true incident that occurred in Athens when a 15-year old student was shot and killed by a policeman in the summer of 2008. Haris (Haris Markou) is a typical teenager, who likes wasting his time by hanging out with his friends rather than getting a summer job. The teenagers at the centre of the film spend a lot of their time skateboarding, hanging out, drinking, partying and disrespecting their parents. Meanwhile, Vasilis (Ieronimos Kaletsanos) is a cop who is angry at the world and resentful of having to do three straight night shifts. Haris and Vasilis are on a collision course that will have tragic consequences. One can see where Wasted Youth is headed, but the writing and directing team of Argyris Papadimitopoulos (Bang Bang) and cinematographer Jan Vogel mishandle the ending, which leaves audiences feeling vaguely dissatisfied. Although set in Greece, this slight film deals with some universal themes, and some familiar ideas. However the filmmakers get the vibe just about right. They also manage to work in some topical comments about the financial crisis that has left the country a virtual economic basket case and has added to the frustrations felt by the characters. The filmmakers have cast the film with largely non-professional actors who improvised their dialogue. This brings authenticity to the material. As the hedonistic slacker Haris, Markou has a natural and appealing presence and provides the film with a strong central focus. Also the superb cinematography from Vogel and Manu Tilinski brings the sweltering city of Athens alive.
Review of Wasted Youth
