Rebel High

Rebel High

Year: 1987

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: English

Director: Harry Jakobs

Comedy

A 1987 social satire set amid the chaos of modern western city high schools, where spring break feels like a cease‑fire. Based on Evan Keliher’s novel, the film portrays the mayhem and absurdity of teenage life in an over‑the‑top educational landscape. Produced in Canada with largely unknown, often uncredited actors, it offers a tongue‑in‑cheek critique of contemporary school culture.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Rebel High (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Rebel High (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary (likely late 20th century)

The movie occurs during a modern time period, marked by social and institutional challenges faced by inner-city schools. It references contemporary issues such as gang violence, school reforms, and administrative chaos, suggesting a setting from the late 20th century to early 21st century.

Location

High School City

The movie is set in a gritty urban high school that is in a state of chaos and disrepair. It symbolizes a typical inner-city school environment, characterized by gang wars, broken facilities, and a struggle for control. The school acts as a microcosm of urban life, reflecting issues such as violence, neglect, and institutional failure.

🏫 Urban 🎒 Educational 🌆 Cityscape

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

Main Characters – Rebel High (1987)

Meet the key characters of Rebel High (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Calvin Hampster (Kenny Robinson)

Calvin is the gang leader whose destructive actions, such as burning down his office, symbolize rebellion and chaos. Despite his rebellious nature, he is depicted as intelligent and resourceful, ultimately aiming for success beyond the chaos he fosters.

🔥 Gang Leader 🔫 Rebel 🏆 Ambitious

Norman Relic (Wayne Flemming)

Relic is the vice principal who tries to reform the school amidst the chaos. He is resourceful and pragmatic, willing to go to great lengths to restore order, even if it means bending rules. His character embodies efforts to restore discipline in a disorganized environment.

🎩 Authority 🧠 Strategist 🔧 Fixer

Peckham (Stu Trivax)

Peckham is the naive new principal, inexperienced but determined to reform the school's chaotic environment. His unfamiliarity with inner-city school realities leads him into humorous and chaotic situations, highlighting his optimistic yet troubled leadership.

👔 Newcomer 🌱 Naive 🚶‍♂️ Optimist

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

Major Themes – Rebel High (1987)

Explore the central themes of Rebel High (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Corruption

The film explores the theme of corruption within the educational system, highlighting how illegal activities like gang involvement and illicit drug use infiltrate the school environment. It emphasizes how institutional failure can lead to moral compromise and chaos.

🎭 Rebellion

Rebellion is a central theme, depicted through students and teachers defying authority and traditional school norms. The chaotic and unorthodox methods used in the school reflect a broader resistance against control and bureaucracy.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:58

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Absurdist Institution Satire Movies like Rebel High

Comedies that gleefully tear down authority and bureaucracy through chaotic farce.Discover more movies like Rebel High that feature chaotic comedies satirizing authority and institutions. If you enjoyed the farcical take on high school life, you'll find similar satirical stories poking fun at bureaucracy, corporate culture, and societal systems with a lighthearted, absurdist touch.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a chaotic chain of events triggered by systemic failure or absurd rules. Characters, often rebels or misfits, navigate a world of incompetent authority figures, leading to escalating misunderstandings and hilarious consequences that expose the flaws of the institution.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared commitment to satirical humor, fast-paced chaotic energy, and a lighthearted tone when critiquing authority. They prioritize laughs and farcical situations over deep drama, creating a consistently humorous and absurd viewing experience.

Chaotic Coming-of-Age Farce Films similar to Rebel High

Stories where teenage rebellion and social chaos collide in hilarious ways.If you liked the chaotic teenage antics in Rebel High, explore similar coming-of-age comedies. These movies share a fast pace, light emotional weight, and a focus on the absurd and farcical side of adolescent rebellion, social chaos, and navigating institutional life with humor.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a group of teenagers, often outsiders, navigating an exaggerated version of high school or youth culture. Their attempts to rebel, fit in, or simply survive lead to a rapid series of comedic misadventures and misunderstandings, culminating in a resolution that affirms their individuality amidst the chaos.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their fast-paced, lighthearted portrayal of teenage life as a comedic farce. They share a specific vibe of youthful energy, social satire, and absurd humor, focusing on the chaotic journey rather than deep emotional drama.

Unlock the Full Story of Rebel High

Don't stop at just watching — explore Rebel High in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Rebel High is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Rebel High Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Rebel High, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Rebel High Summary

Rebel High Timeline

Track the full timeline of Rebel High with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Rebel High Timeline

Rebel High Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Rebel High that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Rebel High Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Rebel High

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Rebel High: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Rebel High

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