Come On Children

Come On Children is an intriguing documentary film that was released in the year 1973. The documentary is directed by esteemed Canadian filmmaker Allan King, who has designed the film in a unique experimental style, which evokes a strong cinematic experience for the viewers. The film features Alan Dunikowsky, Ken Gibbs, and John Hamilton as the primary people following their real-life events.

Set in the early '70s, Come On Children reflects the era's youth culture, conveying the quiet yet profound rebellious spirit radiating from a generation transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. The setting of the film is geographically placed amidst the rustic ambiance of a remote farm, where ten teenagers voluntarily isolate themselves for ten weeks. The subjects of the movie willingly chose to step away from their regular lives, escaping from the perceived pressures and expectations imposed by parents, school regimes, and stringent societal norms.

From the start, the documentary is imbued with the aim to observe how these teenagers navigate this newfound freedom away from adult supervision. The director strategically refrains from interfering in the subjects' lives, allowing the cameras to capture each unscripted and raw moment that organically unfolds. This proves to be an enlightening journey into the minds and life experiences of these teens, allowing the audience to experience this unfurling human drama that is both poignant and revealing.

Alan Dunikowsky, Ken Gibbs, and John Hamilton, amongst the others, are not provided with scripts nor are they given directions on how to act, turning it into a unique observational documentary. This approach delivers an authentic opportunity to observe their evolving personal and interpersonal dynamics, along with presenting a snapshot of life outside the sphere of expected societal norms. King’s lens captures the essence of these teenagers' uncensored and untamed existence, focusing on their conflicts, explorations, joyous moments, and their struggles to coexist.

The title, Come On Children, is rich with symbolism, inviting the audience to join them on their journey into an untamed world devoid of adult influence. But ironically, the struggle to escape adulthood becomes a paradox as the participants grapple with the realities of freedom, survival, and co-habitation, aspects typically associated with adulthood. Throughout the film, King does a commendable job of encapsulating the liminal state of being neither child nor adult, providing an intimate perspective of the age group he is documenting.

Come On Children is characterized by the profound exploration of human emotions and relationships, combining elements of social documentation with reality-based programming. It is far from being a superficial entertainment piece, delving more into the complexities of adolescence. The documentary does an exemplary job showcasing the realities of the '70s youth, their ideologies, dreams, and struggles. This film serves to mirror the emotions, dilemmas, and the very essence of being young, striking a chord with global audiences irrespective of age or nationality.

Subtle interactions, heated disagreements, shared laughter, and silence fill the film with an ambiance that feels intimate and engaging. The film's focus on real-life situations and realistic dialogues imbues the documentary with a sincere and honest depiction of life that most viewers can connect with. This authentic presentation of the vagaries of life fosters a sense of connection with the audience, effectively blur the line between the screen and real life.

The strength of this film lies in its bold depiction of real-life scenarios, the honesty of its content, and the courage to show life as it is, without added frills or dramatization. The raw emotions, coupled with King's assured and creative direction, makes Come On Children a cinematic masterpiece, challenging the boundaries of the traditional documentary genre in filmmaking.

In summary, Come On Children is an impactful portrayal of youthful rebellion, camaraderie, discovery, disillusionment, and ultimately, growth. Through the intense exploration of their personal narratives, these teens provide a reflective lens for understanding adolescence, inviting viewers to not only witness these realities but also to appreciate the complexities of a transitional and crucial phase in life - teenage. Come On Children is more than a film; it's an invitation to understand, empathize, and relate with the universally experienced trials and joys of growing up.