#vondaviland

[moviedetox-blog]

The Bad Kids (2016)

Synopsis: Documentary. A group of teachers at a Mojave Desert high school take an unconventional approach to improve the lives of their struggling students. (IMDb.com)

Directors: Keith Fulton (W, M), Louis Pepe (M)

Starring: Vonda Viland (W)

This film is beautiful. I stumbled upon it entirely by chance while rummaging through Netflix. Not only is it a heartfelt portrait of ‘at risk’ youth in America, but even more so it is about a principal who selflessly dedicates herself to being mother to a whole school.

There is something intrinsically meaningful about these kids and their behaviour: namely that at rock bottom we all behave the same. Take away support, love, financial stability, a safe home, and we all respond by lashing out, covering up, and trying to disappear from society. The story here is one of hope, as Black Rock is a place where the kids are shown their potential.

[thebadkidsmovie-blog]

“I’m not just the principal. I’m the assistant principal, the guidance counselor, the nurse, the cook, your mother, your father...and sometimes the swift kick in your ass when you need it.” -- Vonda Viland