Three Seventeens
Three Seventeens

Movie spotlight

Three Seventeens

1972
Movie
80 min
Mandarin

Three enthusiastic graduates - Chu Lan - lan, Cheng Chia-I Lin Ta - hua - joined Chun Li Primary School as teachers. The school was sponsored by the working and fishing community on an islet under the leadership of veteran worker Uncle Chen to keep their offspring away from the bad influences of the society.

Insights

IMDb5.5/10
Director: Paul MorrisseyGenres: Drama, Experimental

Plot Summary

The film follows the intertwined lives of three distinct characters, all named Seventeen, navigating the urban landscape of New York City. Each Seventeen grapples with their own set of desires, frustrations, and existential questions, leading to a series of unconventional encounters and introspective moments. The narrative is loosely structured, emphasizing mood and character over a conventional plot.

Critical Reception

"Three Seventeens" is a challenging and polarizing art-house film from the early 1970s. It garnered attention for its avant-garde approach and its exploration of identity and urban alienation, though it was largely dismissed by mainstream critics for its deliberate lack of narrative coherence and its raw, unpolished aesthetic. It has since gained a cult following among enthusiasts of experimental cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique, experimental style and bold artistic vision.

  • Criticized for its unconventional structure and perceived lack of accessibility.

  • Seen as a significant, albeit niche, work within underground cinema.

Google audience: Audience reception for "Three Seventeens" is scarce due to its niche status. Those who appreciate its experimental nature often find it thought-provoking and artistically daring, while others may find it confusing or uneventful.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in New York City during a period of significant urban decay and artistic ferment, contributing to its gritty and authentic atmosphere.

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