Nicole (Dunst) and Carlos (Hernandez) hail from opposite ends of every spectrum.

Nicole is the messed-up daughter of a wealthy counsellor and Carlos is the diligent, ambitious product of a deprived Hispanic community.

They attend the same school in Los Angeles but, whilst Carlos wants to succeed academically, Nicole is only interested in rebelling - with the sole purpose of attracting her neglectful father's attention.

This film crosses cultural boundaries and realistically depicts the intense passions of teenage love and the unbridled emotions, which drive confused young adults to extreme measures.

The key to the movie's success is the fiery yet touching chemistry between the two leads.

Dunst plays the desperately unhappy and insecure Nicole whose only escape from her miserable home life is the drug induced stupors that she immerses herself in.

She's far from the glamorous star, with greasy hair, spaced-out expressions and pallid skin.

Relative newcomer Hernandez is mesmerising as the innocent Carlos, whose vulnerability and adoration lead his ordered life into disarray.

A powerful performance from Bruce Davison as Nicole's high-powered, cold father brings together an unusual cast in a remarkably, surprisingly impressive film.

Set amidst swaying palms, azure skies and crashing breakers, the lives of these troubled teens is a powerful contrast to the aesthetically beautiful setting.

Far removed from the usual teen romance, crazy/beautifultells the tale of young love with harshness and bluntness that invokes an overwhelming reality.

The direction is smart and like no other high school drama, while the kids are mature beyond their years.

They absorb you into their world of high emotion, unbearable fear and the challenge of taking that one step into adulthood.

Natalie Stone