Foucault and Gramsci’s theories of punishment, ideology, hegemony, and alienation provide the basis for a film about five American teenagers in the Reagan 80s, who, spurred into solidarity by Judd Nelson’s agitation, explore their feelings and bare their souls in a small group session of counter-hegemony that destroys the labeling society and the adults who oppress them have put in place to dissuade them from using their unified power for a greater good. So good that after one viewing it’s earned a place in my top 20. If only there was an epilogue where they threw away their books and rallied in the streets. This film should be required viewing for all incoming high school freshmen, as it would destroy their notions of cliques and prevent a good deal of bullying,