Class of 1984

A new student arrives at a high school controlled by a violent street gang. He soon finds himself targeted by the gang's leader, a psychopath named Andy Norris, who orchestrates a campaign of terror against him. The student must then fight back to protect himself and his loved ones from the escalating violence.

Class of 1984 is a notorious exploitation film that gained a cult following for its unflinching depiction of teenage violence and nihilism. While critically divisive upon release, it's often praised for its raw intensity and prescient portrayal of schoolyard brutality, though some critics found it gratuitously violent and bleak.

• Praised for its visceral and often shocking portrayal of escalating school violence.

• Criticized for its bleak outlook and graphic, sometimes over-the-top, depictions of brutality.

• Seen by some as a cult classic for its exploitation-of-violence elements and a glimpse into societal fears of the era.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's intense and disturbing portrayal of youth violence, with many finding it a compelling, albeit unpleasant, viewing experience. Some viewers appreciate its raw energy and thematic exploration of societal breakdown, while others are put off by its relentless grimness and lack of hope.

The film's controversial subject matter and graphic violence led to it being banned in several countries upon its initial release.