Our Song (2000)

90% of critics liked it
(51 reviews)
76% of users liked it
(1,053 ratings)

Jim McKay follows up on the critical success of his Girls Town (1996) with this sensitively-wrought, finely-etched character study of three teenaged girls living in the Crown Heights section of New York City. Though it is summer, the trio find themselves locked in a demanding rehearsal schedule for… More Jim McKay follows up on the critical success of his Girls Town (1996) with this sensitively-wrought, finely-etched character study of three teenaged girls living in the Crown Heights section of New York City. Though it is summer, the trio find themselves locked in a demanding rehearsal schedule for their prize-winning marching band. Yet this is one of a sundry responsibilities these girls must shoulder. With their parents over-worked, absent, or in jail, they must take care of all household chores and hold down dreary soul-deadening jobs. To make matters worse, their school is closing down for asbestos removal. Yet the most pressing concern for Maria (Melissa Martinez) is her discovery that she is pregnant, for a second time, after a latex-free tryst with a classmate. She is reluctant to consider an abortion, though the prospect of telling her harried mother seems no less daunting. Her best friend Lanisha (Kerry Washington) is supportive, but Joy (Anna Simpson), the third in the trio, cools to Maria, preferring to retreat into a world of fantasy. This film was screened at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: Jim McKay
Written By: Jim McKay
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: May 25, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Jan 14, 2003
Studio: IFC Films

Critic Reviews

Stephen Hunter, Washington Post
It's an astonishing movie, with a real-life feel.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
A humbling, poignant alternative to the movies about teenagers we usually see. This one isn't about a party. It's about life.
Philip Wuntch, Dallas Morning News
It says something positive about human resilience under duress.
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
A truly fresh performance can do wonders for a movie, and Our Song has three of them.
Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer
That rare thing, an American movie that looks at teenagers' life with sensitivity and empathy and humanity.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
After watching Our Song, we leave with a very potent sense that these characters have become so real, they continue living beyond the close of the movie.
Betsy Bozdech, Reel.com
At times, Our Song feels like a documentary, never once seeming forced or far-fetched.
John Esther, Pasadena Weekly
Jim McKay's "Our Song" is a bittersweet reverberation to the brittleness of friendship.
Heather Wadowski, Film Threat
It's a film that tries so hard at being lifelike that it forgets to be entertaining.
Ted Murphy, Baseline.Hollywood.com
While there are some minor flaws in "Our Song," it is a rich work that introduces three extraordinary young talents and marks a maturation in filmmaker [Jim] McKay.
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion
Captures the ups-and-downs in the lives of three New York high school girls with surprising delicacy and honesty.
Steve Schneider, Orlando Weekly
Slow, talky and ultimately ambiguous, the film remains watchable thanks to the effectiveness of its three leads.
Connie Ogle, Miami Herald
Anyone who understands the subtle shadings of friendship will appreciate Our Song's realistic slice of teen life.