Strike!

Set in the swinging sixties, a tight circle of girls at a single sex academy discover that their school will merge with a nearby boys school. Undaunted, they come up with a scheme to keep their institution intact, all while navigating crushes, exams, friendships, and the chaos of adolescence. The plan spills into misfires and moments of courage as they juggle loyalty and school pride in the face of big change, turning a looming merger into a test of character for everyone involved.

Strike! was released in 1998 and directed by Sarah Kernochan. The film blends drama and comedy as a group of girls at an academy confront a merger with a boys school. The ensemble brings wit and resolve to the ordeal.

While not a blockbuster, Strike! gave early screen time to Kirsten Dunst and Gaby Hoffmann, helping launch Dunst's rise and a wave of teen films that center female friendships. The 1960s setting lends nostalgia and texture to the rites of school life. Its tone respects teenage ambitions without cheap excess.

Critics noted the balance of humor with coming of age drama and praised the cast for handling friendship and independence in a changing educational landscape. The film treats adolescence with warmth and wit, showing how students can shape their own futures when adults don't listen, for viewers after the credits.