USA 1989 Directed by Michael Lehmann. Starring: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk, Kim Walker.

In Westerburg high school is it "Heathers" who rules. "Heathers" is the name of the schools three most popular girls, who each calls themselves for "Heather". Their biggest hobbies is to play croquet and to be funny at others expense. Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder) has been invited to Heathers on trial, to be tested if she shall be a new Heather. Veronica likes the attention she gets, but feels at the same time sorry for the victims that are subjected to their cruel practical jokes. The gangleader Heather Chandler, doesn´t think that Veronica has fulfilled the expectations (Veronica has mostly been flirting with the recently moved loner Jason Dean), but decides to give her a last chance. They will go to a party together, and be together with some fine people.

The party turns out to be a disaster for Veronica, and ends with that she´s throw up on a carpet. Heather Chandler gives up the hope of her, and promise that she next Monday will tell all what happened. Veronica wants to take revenge, and make up plans with Jason Dean (Christian Slater). She decides to mix a drink that contains milk and orange juice, and give it to Heather. The idea is that Heather should puke when she drinks it. But Jason Dean has made an own drink with solely rust preventive in it, and it is that drink she swallows. She drains the glass at one draught and falls down dead on the spot. Veronica is an expert in falsify handwritings, and writes down a stylishly suicide note so it looks as if Heather committed suicide. The note gives a new dimension to Heather, who becomes terrifically popular after her death. Suddenly is it with-it to commit suicide in Westerburg high school.

"Heathers" is a very dark teen comedy flick. It came to change the whole genre with its pioneering dialogue. There are a wealth of razor blade-sharp speeches as "What´s your damage, Heather?", "Fuck me gently with a chainsaw" or "Did you have a brain tumour for breakfast?". It´s nothing new today, but "Heathers" was first and is still the best. There are so many persons who makes their best performances here, among others Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. But my personal favorite is Kim Walker, as the megabitch Heather Chandler. What´s become of her now?

The pace in "Heathers" is extremely high and the jokes are pouring down. But many times are the laughs get stuck in the throat. The jokes are often provocative and contains delicate subjects. "Heathers" has many messages, but most important is the topic bullying. The tormentors are convinced that they are liked, but are in reality hated by all. Therefore should all bullies see "Heathers".

Kent Palmgren

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