# Flirting (1991)

### reviewed by
Randy Turgeon

    Flirting

Summary A young man is caned with a thick stick to his backside and he should be in more pain or distress than he appears, but apparently it is more or less a common ritual for him and the boys living with him. His name is Danny Embling (Noah Taylor) a teenager living in a boarding school in Australia in the mid- 1960's. Although he is a bright student, he is tormented by most of his classmates. He is not much of an athlete, does not have many friends and he has an unfortunate slight stutter for which he is given the nickname "Bird" (it is actually more like "B-B-B-Bird"). It seems like it should be a tough time for him, but he is actually doing rather well. He keeps with his studies, sees his hazing as more of a petty nuisance, and has one good friend who he confides with. His life is about to get better. Her name is Thandiwe (Thandie Newton), a pretty girl from the school across the river. It is an all-girls school that shares many social events with Danny's, and their eyes meet at a Rugby match. They do not speak until their next encounter, at a debate between the schools and it is obvious they like each other. They make a date for an upcoming dance, which almost becomes a disaster as Danny is informed that he cannot go, but the two of them sneak away from their perspective groups and spend time together. Their relationship starts out with playful flirting. The relationship develops as the couple attempt to spend as much time together as possible, usually by sneaking out of their dormitories to meet in the early morning hours, risking possible expulsion. They talk about their families a great deal, flirt and experiment with sex. They also have some difficulties, including misunderstandings regarding a letter written by Thandiwe that gets into the wrong hands, and the constant threat of other students reporting them to school officials. Danny also risks physical harm as he foolishly tries to defend his dignity and fight the school boxing champ in the ring. Of all possible events to threaten Danny and Thandiwes' relationship, it is the most unlikely that strikes a mortal blow. The political unrest in Uganda, Africa (where Thandiwe comes from) threatens her parents, who are writers that speak out against injustice. Their lives are in danger, and Thandiwe must return home to help the family in a time of need. She may not return, and Danny must deal with losing his first love.

Commentary I am a fan of most John Hughes films, but the teenagers in his films do not always act and behave like most teenagers in the real world. His films are more like teenage fantasy, and they are entertaining, but the teenagers in "Flirting" seem so real it is an absolute pleasure to watch them. The relationship between Danny and Thandiwe is very honest, sweet and well written. Dare I say that the chemistry between these two young actors was more powerful then many films concerning adult relationships? I do. One of the strengths of the movie is that not much is made of the racial differences between the teenagers. Thandiwe is African American, but the only racial stereotypes present are the occasional crude comments about the color of her skin by Danny's schoolmates. There is also an uncomfortable moment when the parents meet each other for the first time after a school play and are clearly surprised. The scene is a great example of the wonderful writing and directing, and is one of the films' best moments. Another strength is the inclusion of the political uprising in Uganda. There could have been many different ways for the relationship between the teens to be threatened, but by making it such an important event on such a large scale (and beyond their control), it makes it much more poignant and sad. Few movies about teenage love are as effective as this one. The characters seem absolutely real, as if they were in a documentary about Australian boarding schools. The two lead actors were relatively unknown this time, adding to this effect. The only recognizable face is that of Nicole Kidman, playing an upperclassman looking over Thandiwe. I could almost see this film be rewritten into a John Hughes type film, but that one would have popular young actors, a pop music soundtrack, a predictable romance and a typical Hollywood ending. You will see that watching "Flirting", and it is a real treat.

    Flirting **** (out of five)
    Directed by John Duigan

Danny Embling....................Noah Taylor Thandiwe Adjewa.................Thandie Newton Nicola Radcliffe...................Nicole Kidman Jock Blair...........................Felix Nobis

Written by Randy Turgeon, April 9, 1998.

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