45 R.P.M.

45 RPM is a wonderful indie drama that takes place in rural 1950's Saskatchewan under big Canadian skies, focusing on rebellious young lad Parry Tender (Jordan Gavaris, superb), his struggles as he begins to climb the long ladder of growing up, and his first conflicted glimpses into the realm of romance. He's an orphan who has been loosely raised and reigned in by a kindly Native man (August Schellenberg), and also finds somewhat of a father figure in rigidly strict RCMP Constable Able Taft. Genuine Saskatoon native Kim Coates brings heartbreaking complexity to the character, who easily could have slipped into caricature, nailing a show stopping key scene. He catches the eye of the new girl in town, Debbie Baxter (MacKenzie Porter), whose kindly father (a nicely low key Michael Madsen) is an air force major situated at the nearby base. Parry's moody tomboy of a best friend Luke (Justine Banszky gives the best work of the film, simply soul baring) hides a dark secret within her that threatens their predictable, idyllic teenage world. The emotion, both uplifting and despairing is handled beautifully by the two who are both skilled way beyond their years. With support from season pros like Madsen, Coates, Schellenberg and Amanda Plummer as well, they make it a story worth telling, and beyond worth watching, if you can find it.