“The Chocolate War” (1988) is the film version of the classic YA novel by Robert Cormier. It was the debut feature film from actor Keith Gordon (The Legend of Billie Jean) who directed as well as wrote the screenplay. The film depicts the rebellion of new student Jerry Renault (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) against his school’s official and unofficial structures of power while coming to terms with his mother’s death. The Chocolate War features solid acting from the entire cast, especially John Glover and Wallace Langham as the main antagonists and Bud Cort (Harold and Maude) in a memorable cameo appearance. The film also features a fine soundtrack of 80s artists such as Yaz, Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel.

Watch the The Chocolate War here.