Kids (& We Were Once Kids) Blu-ray - Gritty Coming-of-Age Double

In this review the reviewer recommends Kids (& We Were Once Kids) for viewers who want an unvarnished, provocative look at youth culture and the real people behind a cult film. The debut feature KIDS is a disturbing, visceral snapshot of a single day in New York that still shocks; the included documentary WE WERE ONCE KIDS adds context by following the actual individuals who inspired the original story. Together they form a compelling package for anyone studying raw cinema, urban adolescence, or the social forces that shaped a controversial 1990s release.

Key Features

• Dual-feature package: Combines the original 1995 film with the Tribeca-winning documentary to provide both dramatic storytelling and documentary context in one release.
• Unflinching storytelling: Presents a single frenetic 24-hour arc that captures the impulsive behavior and consequences of the teenage characters in a way few films attempt.
• Notable performances: Features early appearances by actors such as Rosario Dawson and raw performances that contributed to the film's cultural impact.
• Director and writer provenance: Directed by Larry Clark and written by Harmony Korine, the film reflects a distinct and controversial creative vision that shaped its tone and themes.
• Documentary insight: The included documentary by Eddie Martin explores the real-life youths who inspired the script, enriching the viewer's understanding of the film's origins.

Who It's For

The set is ideal for film students, critics, and cinephiles who study controversial independent cinema and want to see both the dramatic piece and the real-world context that informed it. Viewers interested in social realism, 1990s New York culture, or the early work of filmmakers and actors who later gained broader recognition will find this release particularly valuable.

Those seeking light entertainment, family-friendly fare, or sanitized depictions of adolescence should look elsewhere, as the material is intentionally raw and deals with mature themes, including substance use and sexual behavior, without euphemism.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful, uncompromising drama that remains a landmark of 1990s independent film.
• Documentary supplement gives important background on the real people who inspired the story.
• Early appearances from actors and a bold creative voice make it historically interesting for film study.

Cons

• The film's explicit and disturbing content will be off-putting to some viewers and is not suitable for younger audiences.

Specifications

Title	Kids (& We Were Once Kids)
Format	Blu-ray (movie and documentary included)
Director	Larry Clark; documentary directed by Eddie Martin
Writer	Harmony Korine (feature)
Notable cast	Telly, Casper, Jennie, Rosario Dawson
Included documentaries	WE WERE ONCE KIDS (Tribeca Film Festival winner)
Setting	New York City, single 24-hour period

Our Verdict

This double-feature release is recommended for discerning adults and film students who want a complete view of a controversial cultural touchstone. The pairing of the original film with a personal documentary adds real value, offering both the intense drama and the human stories behind it. It is a thoughtful, sometimes uncomfortable package that rewards viewers interested in film history and social realism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this release include the documentary about the real people?
Yes, the package includes WE WERE ONCE KIDS, a full feature documentary that examines the real-life individuals who inspired the 1995 film.

Is the content appropriate for teens?
No, the material is explicit and deals with mature themes; it is intended for adult viewers and not suitable for younger audiences.

Who directed the original film?
The original feature KIDS was directed by Larry Clark and written by Harmony Korine.