The Crossing

Stars: Russell Crowe, Robert Mammone, Danielle Spencer. From George Ogilvie, the co-director of Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, comes this exceptionally insightful adolescent drama. Newcomers Russell Crowe and Danielle Spencer play Johnny and Meg, a pair of small-town Australian high school kids in love. When Meg's former flame Sam (Mammone) returns from the big city, Meg is torn between the two. Admittedly one of the oldest plots in the world, The Crossing brings new life to the shopworn tale by honestly exploring the pain of adolescent love. Johnny come lately has the terrible burden of appearing nonchalant in front of his friends while at the same time struggling to hold on to the girl he loves. Sam, who feels guilty because he abandoned Meg, nevertheless cannot ignore his heart. And Meg, who feels beholden to Johnny and doesn't want to hurt him, can't deny her still strong feelings for Sam. It's an emotionally explosive mix, and as the film kicks into high gear action in its final quarter, audiences will be on the edge of their seats. An excellent drama. Audience: If people can stick with the opening 15 minutes and acclimatize themselves to the Australian accents, they're in for a powerful story. Older teens will relate to this.