All American High

All American High is a motivating, lively and candid documentary directed by Keva Rosenfeld that sprang to life in 1986. This illuminating portrayal of high school life in the United States intrigued audiences by lifting the veil on the typical American teen experience in the mid-1980s.

The documentary takes viewers on an insightful journey through a year in the life of the students of Torrance High School in Southern California. Rather than fall prey to stereotypes or dramatic framing, this documentary is characterized by its refreshing authenticity and a raw, up-close perspective of the American highschool setting.

Central to the narrative of All American High is Rikki Rauhala, a foreign exchange student from Finland. Her perspective provides a fresh lens through which to view American culture, bridging two worlds and encouraging viewers to consider their own cultures from an outsider's perspective. Rikki's observations, combined with Rosenfeld's intimate and unflinching directorial approach, create a truly compelling narrative that transcends the noise of the usual high school drama.

While the focus may initially seem to be on the unfamiliar territory Rauhala navigates - both the cultural differences between Finland and America and the universal strangeness of high school - the film also provides intriguing insight into the lives of her American schoolmates. With every character in this real-life drama, the audience is exposed to a broad spectrum of the typical American teenager's experience in the 80s, from the cheerleaders and sports stars, to the nerds and burnouts.

All American High is a significant social document that delves beyond trivial hierarchy and the frivolity of adolescence. Instead, it offers a look at the dreams, aspirations, pressures, and challenges faced by American teens in the Reagan era. It’s more than just a yearbook of this generation. It’s an encapsulation of a moment in time, a sociological reference point that is both prevalent and evergreen.

The style of the documentary is very much in line with Rosenfeld's direct cinema influences. There is no narration, the camera is purely observational, capturing real moments as they happen. It brings the viewers into the world of the 80s high school life, with its fashion, lingo, and social trends, making the film feel like a time capsule brought to life.

Additionally, All American High has a unique comedic tone which it accomplishes without ridiculing its subjects. We laugh not at the students, but along with them, sharing their ups and downs and feeling a part of their community. It candidly presents the sometimes absurd aspects of high school life sprinkled amidst the everyday struggle of teenage self-discovery.

Another point of interest in the film is the contrasting educational systems seen through Rikki's experience. Her reflections on the differences between Finnish and American education provide viewers a mirror to understand their own system better. These comparisons elevate the documentary beyond a simple snapshot of high school life, making All American High a broader discourse on education and societal expectations of success.

Despite being filmed in the mid-80s, All American High has remained relevant. The film was re-released in 2014 with an updated ending that divulges what the students have been up to since their high school days. This addition provides a nostalgic view of the passage of time and the evolution of the American dream.

In conclusion, All American High is more than just a documentary about high school. It is a relic of the 80s' American culture and societal norms, wrapped up in a youthful, vibrant, and engaging narrative. By delving into the reality behind the iconography of the American high school, it fosters a shared reality that has remained infectious to viewers - no matter where they are from or what era they are in.