To begin, I don't much like movies that show someone under the age of legal consent having sex with a much older partner, HOWEVER...I acknowledge that it happens, and that many times, the age of legal consent is just a number, as there are 12 year olds that have the maturity of a 20 year old, and vice versa.The first misconception that I would like to clear up is that somehow Monroe acted in a predatory way, forcing himself on Minnie. His behavior, albeit somewhat creepy, was not predatory. Au contraire, Minnie was a willing and complicit partner and certainly seemed to have the mental capacity to make the decision. In fact, while Minnie's 15- year old hormones raged wildly out of control, Monroe often seemed the reluctant lover who felt overwhelmed by her overwhelming "need". Of course, as Minnie discovers, her "need" is not for sex; it is for intimacy. And Monroe cannot provide her with that--perhaps because he is at a different age and level, but more likely because he himself is emotionally immature.The poor girl! She is surrounded by emotionally immature adults. Her relationship with her mother is colored by her mother's relationships with many different men. Minnie is constantly adjusting her life to her mother's needs, as opposed to the mother meeting the needs of the child. One of the most touching scenes is when Minnie and her mother are in the kitchen eating lunch--and her mother tells her how in love she was with Minnie's father. The audience sees Minnie glow as her mother tells her this-- finally! Minnie realizes that there was a real emotional connection between her mother and father--and it is comforting to her. Maybe her father wasn't like all the other men (and people) that float ephemerally through her mother's bohemian life.This movie takes us through Minnie's journey of self-realization that sex and intimacy are two very different things--perhaps a journey that all teenagers take at some point.The movie fails when the mother discovers the affair between Monroe and Minnie. Yes, she would be angry--at her daughter, and at Monroe. But would she get drunk with Monroe, and then summon her daughter to the bar to tell her that Monroe must marry Minnie? Even making the excuse that she and Monroe are drunk, it seems a bit more hare-brained than she is typically depicted in the movie. Also, why wouldn't she immediately tell Monroe that it is statutory rape, and at least threaten him with going to the authorities? It's doubtful that she would follow through, but at least threaten him. After all, she is not such a terrible mom that her children have been taken away from her. Also, the ending where Minnie bumps into Monroe at the beach while she is selling her artwork with her sister...it is a bit contrived. It is an ending that lets us know that Minnie has moved forward emotionally, while Monroe is stagnating. And miraculously, the acceptance back into the family by her mother and sister after her runaway attempt has given her the confidence to sell her artwork at the beach. News flash--she was accepted by her mother and sister prior to the runaway attempt, and she has always been a talented artist! But the writer and/or director wanted to put a neat little bow on it for the end. I give it a 6/10 for being thought provoking, for great acting, for an authentic evocation of the '70s, and an awesome soundtrack (yeah, Iggy Pop and the Stooges!). Downgraded for the pat ending, and the unevenly written character of the mother, who mainly comes off as a stereotype of a single, '70s mom who has a man addiction.

Well, the first thing is this film is not for everyone. Because the contents were too strong for being a teen theme. That means it is good for the grown ups to watch. The story of a 15 year old girl in the 70s living with her mother and small sister. It begins when her sexual urges takes off, her first with a middle aged man. So she documents everything and besides, with her close friend's support, they together explore even more options. Being a minor and yet her real life to commence, what she plans for the future determines the remaining developments.The performance by Bel Powley was amazing. She was the perfect choice to play that role despite she's older than the role. There were many nudes and sex scenes, but was not that strong, especially when compared with the similar themes of the present era films. The pace had lots of ups and downs, but the progression was on the right path which actually saved the film.The story was just fine, no complication to understand and also not easy to explain, but in a short, it was a teenage girl's sexual exploration. Everybody gets into that stage of life, but only few courageously opts a path to accomplish. And for some, it is an open opportunity that makes them to get there than intentionally make that move. I felt the film was well adapted from its book and directed by a newcomer, Surely worth a watch, but again I'm saying that it is not for everyone.7/10

You are definitely watching 102 minutes of child abuse. In many scenes it's portrayed graphically, but from beginning to end child abuse makes up the content of the story. To Bel Powley: Why no teenage girls need to see a movie where there's underage sex and sexual assault? Where they see you small ugly good for nothing breasts and bum and almost shots of your vulva? What will that to to the British female teenage group? Do you know? It will encourage them to do what you and your character did on screen. And then the government will have to try to stop it as well as society.We do not need film to educate us on how to love yourself, especially not after having sexual activity which is punishable by crime. We do not need a film to see your small, not sexy body or you to proclaim it is a taboo subject (there's so many ways to understand puberty and sex nowadays). We we do not need to say hey! See this film by bluffing your way or saying the film agencies rate it too high. It is just another "Fifty Shades of rape" film.

There are numerous wonderful performances in this brilliant little film. But two of them are great, and another is just amazing (star-making.. few outside of England had heard her name before, but that has all ended with this career making role). From start to finish this film grabs you, and doesn't let go for a minute. It well deserves all the accolades it's receiving, and is so timeless, it will keep on being discovered by viewers for a very long time to come. It's impressive on all levels.. writing, casting, acting, filming, directing, production values.. there are no noticeable weak points. It's video library category.. to be enjoyed again as time passes. Don't think of missing it.