Rating: 
Summary: An excellent film which, unfortunately, few people saw.
Review: Permanent Record is one of the few films to deal honestly with the subject of teen suicide and its effects on loved ones and, especially friends. The film excels because it does not paint its characters in black and white - teenagers do not have all the answers, and grown-ups are not one-dimensional antagonists. The film basically focuses how on a group of high school students react when their friend, an intelligent and well-liked young man, takes his own life for no apparent reason. Permanent Record contains Keanu Reeves' best performance to date as the suicide's best friend, who tries to find answers as to why his friend took his own life, and who feels guilty that he could not prevent this tragedy (the scene where he finally expresses that guilt is particularly moving). Barry Corbin (Northern Exposure) and Kathy Baker (Picket Fences) also give fine performances as the parents of the suicide. The film was not around very long when it was released, so few saw it, but its availability on video can rectify this.
Rating: 
Summary: been through it...
Review: Right before this came out, I went through a boyfriend's suicide. The movie really hit home. It really explains the feelings that those left behind feel. Sure, as I look back it is corny in the 80's way but the questions everyone had and the wonder of why is so true for the survivors. The one thing the movie focused on is really the most important issue. Once the person has committed the suicide, they are no longer the problem. It is the recovery and coping of the survivors. A group of kids with no one to talk to or go to. Very much like it is today, 16 years later. I would suggest that if anyone knows of someone that is thinking of suicide, make them watch the movie. Show them what their friends and family will feel once they are gone. It may be a movie but it is very close to the real life feelings we survivors feel when we lose someone we love and don't know why and feel guilt because couldn't stop it. Remember, suicide is a permenant solution to a temporary problem. Keenu Reeves really takes the emotion and makes it real. Anyone could have played the part but he put such a realistic feel to the sorrow and anger, I really can't see anyone else in the roll. The song is beautiful and I had it at one time on cassette, now if that doesn't date me then I don't know what will. The whole movie is represents a process and the actors/actresses did a very good job of portraying it to the viewer. The scenes in Portland and the surrounding areas are a nice change to a sound stage. I think it brings a touch of reality because it doesn't take place in LA or New York. How many normal people live outside of those 2 cities? I would say a lot and this movie shows that problems exist in all walks of life.
Rating:
Summary: Early Keanu film. Yes, he can act!
Review: Surprisingly moving story of a group of high school friends trying to cope with the unexpected suicide of one their friends. The suicide victim seemed to have it all - looks, talent, brains, friends, a future - and that's what makes it all the more frustrating and confusing for his surviving buddies. Being a teenager is hard enough, but to have to deal with this kind of tragedy and the attendant emotional turmoil can almost be too much. I dare you to NOT get choked up when Keanu seeks comfort from the father of the dead teen (whose little brother Keanu nearly runs down with his car after a night of sorrow-drowning drinking), and again at the end of the film when the students finally use a very public forum to express their grief and pay tribute to their fallen friend. At least rent this film - you'll probably be tempted to buy it afterwards.
Rating:
Summary: Early Keanu film. Yes, he can act!
Review: Surprisingly moving story of a group of high school friends trying to cope with the unexpected suicide of one their friends. The suicide victim seemed to have it all - looks, talent, brains, friends, a future - and that's what makes it all the more frustrating and confusing for his surviving buddies. Being a teenager is hard enough, but to have to deal with this kind of tragedy and the attendant emotional turmoil can almost be too much. I dare you to NOT get choked up when Keanu seeks comfort from the father of the dead teen (whose little brother Keanu nearly runs down with his car after a night of sorrow-drowning drinking), and again at the end of the film when the students finally use a very public forum to express their grief and pay tribute to their fallen friend. At least rent this film - you'll probably be tempted to buy it afterwards.
Rating: 
Summary: Powerful
Review: This film was way ahead of its time. In this day and age, teenage suicides happen often, and appear in the press. This is a movie, set in the 80s, and really has a powerful effect on you. To start with, I was trying to figure out why the main character decided to kill himself. It never really says. But the movie concentrates more on what David's close friends feel on his suicide. The film focuses heavily on Keanu Reeves character, Chris. He features in some of the film's most powerful scenes, and although he plays his Ted character, goofy and gangly, he really acts his socks off. He also features in an almost painful crying scene. There's a terrific song, which unfortunately isn't available. It's worked on throughout the film, but it really comes to light towards the end. It's called "Wishing On Another Lucky Star", performed by J.D. Souther. This is a very powerful movie, although it didn't leave much of an effect on me. I was expecting it to leave me with something at the end of the movie, but this kinda movie has been done better in recent years - The Virgin Suicides for example.
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