Dealing with such issues as drug and alcohol abuse, violence, sexual promiscuity, and sexually transmitted diseases, Kids depicts a portrait of life for New York City lower-economic status teens in the early 1990′s. The film follows Telly, a 15 year old young boy whose exploits pose as a pseudo-plot within the film. Accompanied by his equally rebellious friend, Casper, Telly vows to take the virginity of as many young women as possible. One such former virgin is Jenny, who later learns that she has contracted HIV, implying that Telly transmitted it to her. Jenny seeks Telly to inform him that he has been infected.
The film’s controversy lays within the portrayal of the teens. Here we see two teens engaging in some pre-coital pleasure. Scenes like these are what caused such an uproar during and after Kids’ release. By today’s standards, the scenes would be considered rather tame, especially after such teen sex comedies like American Pie. But unlike American Pie, a realism remains within the context of the film, allowing it more aesthetic merit.
