Adventure
United States of America
White Water Summer is a coming-of-age adventure film released in 1987, directed by Jeff Bleckner, and starring Kevin Bacon as the wilderness guide Vic. The movie follows the story of Alan (played by Sean Astin), a city boy who is sent by his parents to take part in a wilderness program run by Vic.
Alan is joined by three other boys: Mitch (Jonathan Ward), George (Matt Adler), and Chris (K.C. Martel). At first, the boys are excited about the adventure and the opportunity to learn survival skills, but things quickly turn sour when Vic starts pushing them beyond their limits. He teaches them how to make fire without matches and forces them to jump off a high cliff into a river, among other difficult challenges.
As the trip goes on, tensions rise between Vic and the boys, and they become more and more alienated from each other. However, the group's dynamic changes when Vic is injured during a dangerous storm and the boys must work together to help him survive. This experience brings them closer together, and they gain a greater appreciation for the wilderness and their own abilities.
The movie explores themes of adventure, self-discovery, and survival, and features stunning scenery of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It received mixed reviews upon its release but has gained a cult following over the years.
