Mary Forever (1989)

Kernel Score: 84% · 237 ratings

Genres: Crime, Drama

Released: 1989-05-04

Runtime: 102 minutes

Overview

A teacher discovers his calling. Marco relocates to Palermo from Milan and takes a job teaching in a reform school while he waits for a high school position. He tries to understand and motivate his handful of students, reading them colloquial poetry, encouraging them to stand up for their rights, finding out about their histories. Natale, in for murder, enamoured of the Mafia, the King Rat within the group; Mery, a drag queen, arrested for assault when defending himself, in love with Mario and, in daylight, rejected by all; Pietro, illiterate, muscular, believing his destiny is set; the callow Claudio, vulnerable, learning to harden himself. What can Mario learn and do in such a short time?

Mary Forever parents' guide: ages 16+

Parents need to know that Mary Forever is a gritty Italian crime drama set in a reform school, dealing with rape, prostitution, gang violence, and a transgender character's struggles.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — Includes references to rape, assault, and murder among reform-school delinquents.
  • Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — Includes prostitution and rape as plot elements involving vulnerable teen characters.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Mary Forever

If you liked Mary Forever, these are the movies we'd watch next.

Director

Marco Risi

Cast

  • Michele Placido as Marco Terzi
  • Claudio Amendola as Pietro Giancona
  • Francesco Benigno as Natale Sperandeo
  • Alessandra Di Sanzo as Mario 'Mery' Libassi
  • Tony Sperandeo as Turris
  • Roberto Mariano as Antonio Patanè
  • Maurizio Prollo as Claudio Catalano
  • Filippo Genzardi as Matteo Mondello
  • Giovanni Alamia as Marra
  • Alfredo Li Bassi as Carmelo Vella

Mary Forever FAQ

Is Mary Forever good?

Mary Forever has an 84% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 237 audience ratings.

Is Mary Forever OK for kids?

Fresh Kernels suggests ages 16+. Parents need to know that Mary Forever is a gritty Italian crime drama set in a reform school, dealing with rape, prostitution, gang violence, and a transgender character's struggles.

What movies are like Mary Forever?

If you liked Mary Forever, try Dog Pound, Brute Force, Don't Be Bad and Pixote.