I've heard the title many times. I've been told to watch it many times. And now I've finally seen the famous movie of the 1980's, 'The Breakfast Club' and I enjoyed it so much. Before it started, I had no idea what it was about and if I were to be truly honest, I thought it was going to be about a group of people who catch up at breakfast time and could possibly be a comedy... it's not.
'The Breakfast Club' is a drama about five teenagers who are each a different stereotype: the rebel, the nerd, the jock, the popular princess of the school and the friendless odd-ball, and they have detention together (on a Saturday for eight hours- surely this is illegal!). And they don't actually eat breakfast, mind you, at one point they do have lunch, however the majority of the film is set in the detention room where each person reveals the pressures and hardships in their life. It is quite shocking and really is a powerful performance from all of the actors, as they portray such believable characters; the intensity of it all makes it such a moving film to watch and you go through stages of loving, hating and loving once more, each character. The audience really is drawn into the entire scenario, of feeling everyone's pain, embarrassment, anger and grow alongside the teenagers.
I really loved this movie, and while I was watching it, I couldn't help but think how wonderful this would be as a play. Is it a play? I don't actually know, but if it isn't, it should be. I would see the live production if it were. But the actors in the film were absolutely incredible! I was actually blown away by how well they portrayed their characters: Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall and Emilio Estevez. I saw Molly Ringwald in 'Pretty in Pink' a few months back, and I have to admit that I really did not like the movie at all, but ohmygoodness! 'The Breakfast Club' is so different; it's really such a quality film. I can't praise it enough: I just thought the acting and the script were just exceptional and I highly recommend watching it if you haven't already.
The only thing I would criticise about the movie is the ending. I don't want to give too much away, but there is one particular scene in the film where the nerd asks "what is going to happen on Monday?" asking whether the bond they have created in detention will extend once they are let out. Will they acknowledge each other in everyday life? And I loved how honest the answer was "no". Even though it is a harsh reply, but it is so honest and I think that is what made the film so strong; the raw and brutal honesty of it. However, the ending I found betrayed the realistic nature of the script, because you reach the ending and it is like you've been on this epic emotional roller coaster and it is as if the writers are suddenly like: "oh, we've come to the end of the movie? well let's create an unrealistic happy ever after moment to finish off" and I'm like "NO!!!! you don't have to do that!" This is the type of film that shouldn't have a "and they lived happily ever after"- I know I sound like a horrible person for saying that, but it just isn't suited to the story. I like the idea that they then go their separate ways after without looking back.
But in saying that mini complaint, I am so glad to have finally watch 'The Breakfast Club' and I really want to watch it again, because it was just such a "wow" film. And a funny coincidence is that on the same day, I also watched 'Pitch Perfect' for the first time and they talk about 'The Breakfast Club' in that and I didn't know they would- what were the chances!
'The Breakfast Club' is a drama about five teenagers who are each a different stereotype: the rebel, the nerd, the jock, the popular princess of the school and the friendless odd-ball, and they have detention together (on a Saturday for eight hours- surely this is illegal!). And they don't actually eat breakfast, mind you, at one point they do have lunch, however the majority of the film is set in the detention room where each person reveals the pressures and hardships in their life. It is quite shocking and really is a powerful performance from all of the actors, as they portray such believable characters; the intensity of it all makes it such a moving film to watch and you go through stages of loving, hating and loving once more, each character. The audience really is drawn into the entire scenario, of feeling everyone's pain, embarrassment, anger and grow alongside the teenagers.
I really loved this movie, and while I was watching it, I couldn't help but think how wonderful this would be as a play. Is it a play? I don't actually know, but if it isn't, it should be. I would see the live production if it were. But the actors in the film were absolutely incredible! I was actually blown away by how well they portrayed their characters: Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall and Emilio Estevez. I saw Molly Ringwald in 'Pretty in Pink' a few months back, and I have to admit that I really did not like the movie at all, but ohmygoodness! 'The Breakfast Club' is so different; it's really such a quality film. I can't praise it enough: I just thought the acting and the script were just exceptional and I highly recommend watching it if you haven't already.
The only thing I would criticise about the movie is the ending. I don't want to give too much away, but there is one particular scene in the film where the nerd asks "what is going to happen on Monday?" asking whether the bond they have created in detention will extend once they are let out. Will they acknowledge each other in everyday life? And I loved how honest the answer was "no". Even though it is a harsh reply, but it is so honest and I think that is what made the film so strong; the raw and brutal honesty of it. However, the ending I found betrayed the realistic nature of the script, because you reach the ending and it is like you've been on this epic emotional roller coaster and it is as if the writers are suddenly like: "oh, we've come to the end of the movie? well let's create an unrealistic happy ever after moment to finish off" and I'm like "NO!!!! you don't have to do that!" This is the type of film that shouldn't have a "and they lived happily ever after"- I know I sound like a horrible person for saying that, but it just isn't suited to the story. I like the idea that they then go their separate ways after without looking back.
But in saying that mini complaint, I am so glad to have finally watch 'The Breakfast Club' and I really want to watch it again, because it was just such a "wow" film. And a funny coincidence is that on the same day, I also watched 'Pitch Perfect' for the first time and they talk about 'The Breakfast Club' in that and I didn't know they would- what were the chances!
I've really been getting into 80s teen movies lately. There's just such an abundance of great ones! Try Say Anything, Risky Business, Dirty Dancin', Sixteen Candles and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I especially recommend the first two.
ReplyDeleteI'll definitely watch them, thanks! I've seen Dirty Dancing and Ferris Bueller's Day Off and absolutely love them, so I'm looking forward to watching the others you've recommended
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