The idea of a teenage couple (and a pet German Shepherd) spending their (last?) summer vacation together, playing (cruel or tender) games, discovering their 'own secret castle' (including a mysterious cave) and, finally, introducing a third teenager into their midst, with dire consequences, is really a good one - a straightforward coming of age story in a way, but darker and meaner than usual. Every scene has its merit, though I found it rather awkward to watch the sex scenes, which also has to do with the acting; I didn't find it that good or natural - even if the honest portrayal of nudity gave it an extra dimension that I have never seen before. Another problem was that a lot of scenes started dragging on at some point. The voice-over musings did work really well, as did most of the dreamy soundtrack (especially the children's songs, but that recurring synth pop song was a bit of an abomination to hear so many times). Without passing further judgment on a film that is clearly a product of its time and place in some respects, this is certainly a special film in more than one way.
A good 6 out of 10. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that poor dove...
A good 6 out of 10. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that poor dove...