dancindawn I was a teen when this movie came out...and actually didn't see it right when it was first released. Admitedly I probably initially watched it because of Keanu Reeves...bu wow, what a gem. The story really had a profound effect on me. Probably because when I watched it I was near the same age of the characters in the flick, and I lost a dear friend to suicide just after high school. Warranted me seeing the movie a few more times. Even to this day I remember this show...I have searched for this movie to rent and watch again, but to no avail! I'm sure that one day it will cross my path again! If not, then it will just remain one of those gems from my teenage years that helped me cope through a difficult time.

alexken "Permanent Record" has two possibilities to be rescue, when almost 15 years has passed before the production. One, for the teenagers fans of Keanu Reeves; the another one, for any kind of people who has been near the suicide of a loved one. This second point of view is that must keep in our minds: the film shows the culpability feeling of people that lives and loves one person that has been chased the suicide like a getaway of his problems. Nobody understands him, nobody knows the reason of his death election, and this is the most remarkable of this film. Isn't it a pity the final, the worst final sentimental teenager option of the director? See and think about it

Purgatori1 I wished they'd shown this movie in my HS after a female student committed suicide, I think it would have helped us move on. Especially since that is really what this movie is about: the process of healing after the loss of someone. I found this movie to be touching, realistic, and enveloping. Allow me to explain. I was touched by the character development. I found the process of the healing to be very realistic. And because I could identify with what some of the characters were going through, I found it enveloping. Some of Keanu Reeves best work is in this film. Chris' breakdown in the Dad's arms is one of the best scenes in the whole film. On top of all that, to this day, when Jennifer Rubins sings at the end, I cry. Every time. Now, whenever I need a pick-me up, I sing that song.On a side note, I would probably have liked this movie even if it hadn't been filmed partly in my hometown.

soulcourageous this is a really solid film, especially for teens i think. i haven't seen it in years so i'm not sure how well it holds up or if it would still appeal to a now-30 year old, but i was really moved by it back then. keanu is obviously much younger but he brings a tremendous amount of complexity to his role as the close friend of a charcter who takes his own life unexpectedly. the film deals with the aftermath of suicide amongst other complicated issues. along with "river's edge", this is one of the darker teen-related films of the era and just as absorbing imho. definitely worth a look if only for the historical aspect of keanu's filmography.