The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys (2002) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

15%

The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys2002

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

A non-woke time capsule. 'The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys' keeps the focus on storytelling and authentic coming-of-age dilemmas, only lightly touching modern ideological themes. It opts for complexity and avoids pushing a narrow worldview.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

The film centers on coming-of-age themes, focusing on flawed and nuanced characters. Identity factors like race and gender aren't overemphasized, and the main cast reflect naturalistic diversity, fitting the time and place. Narrative remains character-driven, with motivations and conflicts rooted in authentic adolescent struggles.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Mildly Woke

What is this?

While there is some critical portrayal of religious authority (in the form of Catholic school), it's depicted more as a critique of institutional rigidity than a broad attack on family, masculinity, or tradition. Masculinity and traditional values play key roles, though not always unchallenged.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

The film displays multiple perspectives, religion, rebellion, and conformity all have their say without resorting to caricatures. While there's some poking at authority, it offers room for plurality of views among its young characters, making it far from a preachy or uniform ideological piece.

User Reviews

No user reviews received yet.

Please leave a review and let the world know what you think.
Your review will be kept completely anonymous.

Your Review

Comments

Users Also Viewed

40%

Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.