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Sixteen

12 July 2013Hindi2h 20m
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 5 critic reviews

Honest teen portrait, but loses its way before the credits roll.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: honest, cliché-free teenage portrayal
  • Criticised: unfocused second half pacing

Audience

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Not streaming in India

Critic consensus

What 5 critics are saying

Critical reception for Sixteen is mixed-to-moderate, with most reviewers acknowledging its honest and grounded portrayal of teenage life as a notable strength. Critics appreciated that the film avoids familiar coming-of-age clichés and handles its subject matter with sincerity and warmth. Common criticisms include an uneven second half and a tendency to try appealing to multiple audiences simultaneously, which some felt diluted its focus. The film is generally seen as well-intentioned but slight.

How the 5 scores spread

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 5 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (5)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    NDTV

    Film review ·

    Sixteen pulls no punches when it matters. But it remains a warm, endearing film even when it gets down to tackling the bitter truths of life. Simple but never simple-minded, this is a must watch.
  2. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    There is heartbreak, and heartache here, minus exaggeration. And some life-affirming scenes, even if the film nearly ends on a lecture about how 16-year-olds can be the most misunderstood breed. This Sixteen is slight, but stays fresh and honest for the most part.
  3. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Unlike most films made on youngsters, Sixteen is refreshingly real and extremely relevant in modern times. Thankfully, there are no standard teenage-film cliches like youngsters taking to drugs or other addictions, misbehaviour, rebellious attitude towards parents, etc.
  4. Mumbai Mirror

    Film review ·

    Perhaps Sixteen tries to appease to one audience too many. Teens of course, who will seek empathy in the story and its characters, but also adults. Here the filmmakers try to interpret teenage thoughts for those who once when through it themselves but only have a few selective memories to latch on and laugh off. The times have changed too of course but despite the modus operandi turning to technology, the basic principles of teen angst hasn't altered much. Hormones still rage, vices are still cool, but all teenagers eventually come of age.

Credits

Cast & crew

Cast

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