"It's pretty fucking brutal but also very truthful about the amorality of adolescence and how some kids can be. And it was also dealing honestly with HIV amongst heterosexuals, which was a first. It launched Harmony Korine and started a whole new genre but made a real stink at the time. A tough film with no feel good factor in sight. It's completely unsentimental."

"I’ve sent both my older kids Lolita and advised them to read the first chapter. They’re older than when I had it read to me – I was about 12. I didn’t read the whole thing [at the time]. The point was the first chapter is very short, half a page. It’s undeniably beautiful even to a young child, to someone who doesn’t really understand."

"It’s probably my all-time favorite. Partially for nostalgic reasons, but mainly because I love movies about kids, when the kid actors know what they’re doing. I like the innocence of it, and the simplicity. I guess in a cheesy way, it takes me back to my childhood and messing around with friends too. It has a perfect balance of humor, heart, and intense moments as well."

"This was the first film we saw that felt like it spanned a lifetime, and I mean that in the best way. It blurs the lines of documentary with total access and beauty. The experience of living these two kids’ lives with them is something that can’t be shaken. The memories are implanted in your brain, and you’ll be happy you can’t forget them."

"As modern as a film can be while still remaining highly romantic. It's part journalism, part fiction, part poetry… Based on the photos and relationships the late great Mary Ellen Mark developed with street kids in Seattle for a photo series for LIFE magazine. LIFE magazine photos have birthed great films like this one and Little Fugitive (kind of). I’ll never forget Dewayne, Tiny and Rat."