The saddest part is the father in jail, helpless and shattered, full of regret. Great movie.Streetwise still has solemn impact on us twenty years later... America witnessed the plight of the Streetwise kids in 1985, when the film hit the U.S. box office under warm reviews from numerous critics. The documentary takes the viewer into the tragic lives of several runaways living on Pike Street in downtown Seattle.We are introduced to Patty and Munchkin,Erin,Lulu,Dewayne,Ratt,Shadow,Shelly,among others.The kids exemplify the league of thousands of runaways across our nation.The film brings to light a corner of society that most of the public choose to ignore,but a runaway could be anyone`s child...They come from broken homes,victims of divorce and often even violence.They live in a sad world of uncertainty,searching for love and happiness in a place that offers neither...some of these children end up dying on the streets,as well... On December 12,1985,Lulu Couch,met with tragedy.While coming to the defense of a friend,she was stabbed by a man.She died soon afterward.According to CNN news,around 319 people turned out for her memorial service. In 1990,I received a letter from Jerry Esterly,a social worker who is featured in the documentary.He expressed his concerns for the increasing population of runaways in Seattle..."the situation is still the same here,too many in need and little response from the government...the film-makers have been great with the Streetwise kids.They keep in touch regularly and are there whenever needed.They have become the most significant people in some of the kid's lives....." Jeffrey Bryan White Oak,NC
I went to elementary school with and lived in the same housing project as Tiny and Lily. I ran into them off and on because of mutual acquaintances, but was not friends with them. I continued on into middle school and rarely saw these girls. I moved out of state for high school, came back to the area after I graduated and shortly thereafter, I rented this movie. I was stunned--not only to see profiled these girls that I had known, but also to see what my life could have--and would have--been. I knew of the abuse these girls suffered (in school kids talk) and how they were throwaways. Unfortunately, where we grew up, this was more common than not. The only difference between Erin and me was that I caught a break and someone who cared reached out to me in time.
I hope and pray that all of the kids profiled in this movie who are still alive, some day, also catch a break. I was one of the lucky ones.
This documentary should be required viewing for training all social workers. Perhaps fewer children would fall through the cracks. In fact, all legislators should also be required to view it so they know who they go to bat for when laws are passed for the protection of children.
