When Brian 'the Brain' Johnson (Anthony Michael Hall), Andrew 'the Athlete' Clark (Emilio Estevez), Allison 'the Basket Case' Reynolds (Ally Sheedy), Claire 'the Princess' Standish (Molly Ringwald) and John 'the Criminal' Bender (Judd Nelson) are all brought in for a Saturday detention at school, they are told they must write a 1,000 word essay about who they think they are.
They initially despise the differences between themselves, but as the day moves on they realise they have more in common than they initially thought.
Considering it has a cast of almost entirely students, this isn't necessarily considered to be a teen movie. There is no sex, very little drugs and only one amusing scene with rock and roll - involving air guitars.
Instead, it is a character study of the clichés in schools around the world (especially the States) that both adults and teens can relate to - if only to remember which cliché they would be classed as. Not only this, but even for those who can no longer relate to their younger self, there is always Mr. Vernon - the students' teacher.
The film remains accessible because of its 'stay young' message, and I dare anyone that watches it to resist the urge to whip out their year book to bring back their own personal memories. Perhaps even you have a little note from the janitor - the one man who is able to stay in touch with the youth in schools.
Laugh along funny, and happily avoids slipping into corny.
I have seen this film at least 40 times if once. I love the fact that John Hughes took a simple concept, with a simple location, and with newbie actors (at the time) and turned it into a classic. What comes to mind now is this...
ReplyDeletePrincess: 'Can I eat?'
Criminal: 'I don't know, give it a try.'
I believe I know half of the script. lol
You mess with the bull, you get the horns! I love this movie. Good choice.
ReplyDeleteI never realised this idiom originated from The Breakfast Club. It has been integrated so much into today's language it's hard to fathom that it came from such a modern source!
DeleteOne of the best movies EVER. I JUST introduced it to my stepdaughter (15 years old) and it still reonates with...well, everyone.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Even today it is still relevant.
DeleteExcellent choice... I've always loved this movie!
ReplyDeleteJo
In Which We Start Anew
It wasn't my choice, I was going for Breakfast at Tiffany's (which I haven't seen either). After buying most of the other films for the A-Z, I was feeling poor and, as my girlfriend already had The Breakfast Club on VHS, my decision was ultimately changed!
DeleteGreat film though, yes. Thanks for the comment!
This movie says so much about human nature and--teens.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
I have to yet see The Breakfast Club. For the A-Z Challenge >B< I have reviewed Bunohan, a Malaysian indie movie with a difference. Let me know what you think...fidel
ReplyDeleteI have commented on your post :). Bunohan reminds me of those small foreign films, such as Phorpa (The Cup), which I have previously reviewed.
DeleteI'm ashamed to say I have yet to watch the Breakfast club. but I do hear its a great movie!
ReplyDeletegreat A-Z post!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
No worries, neither had I until a month ago! I shall check out your blog soon :)
DeleteI think its one of those movies that a certain generation has to see in their lifetime. Its the 80s child's "Easy Rider", it defines a generation of kids. Great post, I would probably only give it 3.5/5 though ;-)
ReplyDeleteI think you've hit the nail on the head with that summary. I had a similar problem when I reviewed The Hunger Games. I didn't want to give it 3 or 4, so stuck with 4. Perhaps I'm just too generous!
DeleteI did enjoy The Breakfast Club though, so for me, 4 was the right score.
Thanks for the comment :)
It took a strong script to set the movie in one spot (for the most part, in the classroom) and have discussion as the main action.
ReplyDeletehttp://gail-baugniet.blogspot.com Theme: A World of Crime
Absolutely (although it was the library). It proves that you don't need physical fighting or over-the-top humour to make a great film. You just need a good script and some clever direction.
DeleteThanks for the comment :)
great movie, still love it after all of these years!!!
ReplyDeleteone of my favorite movies. 80s movies are my favorites, especially john hughes' movies. i'm looking forward to the rest of your A to Z posts.
ReplyDeleteLoved this movie. I even started using it in a Sociology course I taught with high school students. They, too, connected with the film.
ReplyDelete