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Poster for Manic

Manic

You can't escape yourself.

2001 · 1h 42m · R Drama
Directed by Jordan Melamed

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Overview

Follows the fate of Lyle, a violent adolescent who, in lieu of prison, is placed in a juvenile mental institution, where he encounters a group of equally troubled teens. This motley crew—abused, sexually confused, violent, and yet hanging on by their grit and anger—becomes Lyle's last lifeline as he fights to find meaning in a world that seems to defy understanding.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
67%
Tomatometer
Fresh

Shows more hopelessness than optimism but is never less than honest.

Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
Fresh

Its modesty of aspiration and its naturalism of style are its two most salient values.

Stephen Hunter, Washington Post
Fresh

A movie of heart and substance.

Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
Fresh

Manic has quite a bit to recommend it as well, not the least of which is the lack of Hollywood gloss mental patients.

Tom Long, Detroit News
Fresh

It's an undemonstrative, vividly authentic film.

Derek Adams, Time Out

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