CLASS OF 1984

Cinemavixion Review

Mark L. Lester's 'Class of 1984' plunges viewers into the volatile atmosphere of an inner-city high school where delinquency has usurped academic order. Perry King delivers a compelling performance as a music teacher thrust into a battle of wills against a terrifyingly charismatic student gang leader, embodied with chilling intensity. The film masterfully captures the escalating tension and societal anxieties of its era, presenting a raw and unflinching look at the breakdown of authority and the cyclical nature of violence. While its gritty portrayal and punk-infused aesthetic may feel dated to some, its thematic resonance regarding education, youth rebellion, and the desperate measures individuals might take in the face of overwhelming chaos remains potent. A significant artifact of 80s exploitation cinema, 'Class of 1984' offers a provocative, albeit bleak, social commentary that continues to provoke discussion.