The ones I've seen so far are pretty embarrassing; I don't trust the rating system here. Any shorts here with bleak, depressing endings a la Chinatown? Oh, and is there a better site out there with student short films?

Flame suit on yet?

In general I agree - I'm sure I haven't seen all of the projects on this site, but most of them seem to go for cheap laughs or veer into awful, soap opera-like melodrama. Considering that most were shot on video with no budget and non-actors pushed into saying ludicrous, copious dialogue, I guess it's not a surprise...

There was one called "The Orphans" or a similar name that was at least well-shot and tasteful.

This is a student film website. It's designed for people who are learning and developing their skills through supportive and constructive criticism. If you just want to be entertained, turn on HBO or go to Blockbuster. Don't go to a free website and moan about how it's not up to your standards.