Watch Streetwise

Streetwise is a 1984 documentary film that takes viewers into the lives of a group of homeless teenagers in Seattle. The film was directed by Martin Bell and features the photography of Mary Ellen Mark, who had previously shot a photo essay on the same subject for Life Magazine in 1983. The film follows the lives of several teenagers, including a 14-year-old prostitute named Rat, who is desperately trying to escape her life on the streets, and her friend Tiny, a 16-year-old who struggles with drug addiction. There is also Eddie, a 16-year-old boy who sells drugs to support himself and his mother, and Antoine, a 15-year-old who dreams of becoming a professional boxer.

Streetwise is a raw and unflinching look at the harsh realities of life on the streets for these kids, who have been abandoned by their families and society. The film shows how they fend for themselves, scrounging for food and shelter, and engaging in dangerous activities to survive.

Despite the grim subject matter, there is a sense of hope that runs throughout the film, particularly in the friendship between Rat and Tiny. Though they have led difficult lives, they still manage to find moments of joy and connection with one another.

The film also explores the ways in which the teenagers interact with their environment, from panhandling on the streets to breaking into abandoned buildings for shelter. Through Mark's evocative photography, viewers are able to see the world through the eyes of these kids, and to understand the unique challenges and struggles they face.

One of the most powerful aspects of Streetwise is the way in which it humanizes these teenagers, who are too often dismissed as societal outcasts. The film reveals their courage, their resilience, and their humanity, while never shying away from the harsh realities of their lives.

Overall, Streetwise is a masterful portrait of a group of young people who are often ignored by society, and a testament to their strength and spirit. The film forces viewers to confront the difficult truths of homelessness and poverty, while also celebrating the indomitable human spirit that persists in the face of adversity.