Year: 1987
Runtime: 92 mins
Language: English
Director: Harry Jakobs
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.
Get a spoiler-free look at Rebel High (1987) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a cramped, bleached‑out high school where hallways feel more like battlegrounds than corridors, the everyday absurdities of teenage life are amplified to satirical extremes. The campus is a kaleidoscope of clashing subcultures: teachers wander empty rooms, students roam in rival gangs, and even the décor hints at a surreal wartime sensibility. The city looms overhead, threatening to replace the whole institution with a convenient parking lot, turning the school itself into a contested piece of urban real estate.
Edwin Swimper arrives in the wake of a tragic loss, stepping into the principal’s shoes with a bold, if unconventional, vision for an “alternative education” that replaces traditional subjects with off‑beat courses like archery. His efforts to impose order collide with the entrenched chaos, setting the stage for a clash between bureaucratic ambition and the raw energy of the student body. Opposite him, the charismatic student leader Calvin embodies the rebellious spirit that fuels much of the school’s wild reputation, while Norman Relic, the vice‑principal, tries to navigate between authority and an ever‑shifting undercurrent of disorder.
When the administration’s last hope hinges on an outsider, Peckham—a weary educator fresh from an African high school—takes the helm, bringing an earnest desire to restore forgotten corners of the campus, like the disused library. Alongside him, Ms. Simpson, the guidance counselor, adds another layer of comic misinterpretation to the already tangled web of relationships. Together, these characters inhabit a world where satire and surrealism fuse, promising a vivid, tongue‑in‑cheek exploration of a school that has become a microcosm of modern cultural turbulence.
Last Updated: August 20, 2025 at 17:47
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Rebel High. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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.
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