14 and Under

Synopsis

14 and Under (original title: Der Frühreifen-Report) is a 1973 German exploitation film directed by Harald Baerow that delves into the provocative and controversial topic of early adolescent sexuality. Set against the backdrop of 1970s West Germany, the film explores the experiences and awakening of teenagers navigating the complexities of youth and desire. Known for its candid and unfiltered portrayal of adolescence, the movie adopts the style of a pseudo-documentary, blending staged scenes with commentary to provide a sensationalized depiction of youthful behavior. Although reflective of its era's trends in erotic cinema, the film remains a relic of its time, notorious for its subject matter and explicit content.

Cast

• Harald Baerow

  Mr. Jäger

• 

  Ulrike Butz

  Topsy

• Elke Deuringer

  Senta Jäger

• Sonja Embriz

  Girl in the forest

• 

  Marisa Feldy

  Maid Erna

• 

  Rosl Mayr

  Kreszenzia Krummhuber

Reviews

Critically, 14 and Under has received overwhelmingly negative responses due to its provocative subject matter and dated presentation. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 4.9/10, reflecting a largely unfavorable reception among viewers. Reviewers often criticize the film for its exploitative approach and lack of substantive narrative. For example, some users on IMDb have described it as 'uncomfortable and exploitative,' noting that the film's focus on underage themes crosses ethical lines rather than providing meaningful insight. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregated score for the film, indicating limited contemporary critical analysis or reappraisal. Film historians and critics studying exploitation cinema note that the film exemplifies the controversial tendencies of early 1970s European sexploitation, emphasizing shock value over artistry. However, certain niche audiences interested in the history of cinematic taboos consider it a curious artifact reflecting societal attitudes of the time. In sum, while it is often dismissed by mainstream critics, the film maintains a presence in discussions of exploitation filmmaking, but it is generally recommended to approach with caution due to its sensitive content and the unethical implications it raises.