Unlike many of you, I'm not that big of a movie person. I don't get jacked up for new movie trailers, I don't live at the movie theater (or binge on Netflix for that matter), and I don't watch the movie award shows, like the Oscars. But in my 16 years of life, I've come across and been forced by my mother to watch a handful of films that I enjoy to this day. Two of those films were directed by the legendary John Hughes, otherwise known as the king of teenage movie making in the 1980s. Out of the multitudes of entertaining films he made, the two I love the most are The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles. The joy I feel when watching these movies comes for multiple reasons, whether it be the comedic relief or the relatable moments. But instead of going on about how wonderful I think these films are, I'm going to compare and contrast the two movies.
The plot lines of Hughes' films are very similar, a common practice found in Hollywood. Typical teenage problems from the 80's and even today are displayed in both films. In The Breakfast Club, one of the group's many issues includes having to spend a Saturday in detention. In Sixteen Candles, Sam has a problem when her crush happens to date one of the most popular girls in school. It fits the times perfectly, because what else would your typical teenager be worried about? Problems with love and school are first to come to mind. Even with those basic issues, Hughes' puts an unexpected or uncommon strain on these problems in both movies. In The Breakfast Club, the group includes five individuals who live completely different lives and are a part of completely different cliques, yet find similarities amongst themselves. In Sixteen Candles, Sam's entire family forgets her sixteenth birthday, which is supposed to be one of the happiest days of a teenager's life. Besides plot lines, the characters themselves are similar in both films. The Breakfast Club has your good looking jock, Andrew, and Sixteen Candles has the beautiful and sporty romantic interest, Jake. Michael Anthony Hall plays the nerd in both films. The weirdo makes an appearance in both.
As similar as the two movies are, stark differences comes up concerning the social depth each film goes to. While serious issues revolve around the group concerning home life and mental stability in The Breakfast Club, the same can't be said for Sixteen Candles, minus some of Sam's insecurities. Child abuse, suicide, drug use, lack of self esteem, shaming others. All concepts discussed amongst The Breakfast Club. Amongst those items, the only one that applies to Sixteen Candles is a lack of self esteem. The level of depth in each film also affects their overall messages. The Breakfast Club teaches us that it doesn't matter what clique you're supposed to belong to, you can befriend and find commonalities between people who seem like polar opposites. A very important message in a world full of social stereotypes. On the other hand, Sixteen Candles has a message about finding the best even in the worst of situations because who knows, a special surprise could come your way (AKA Jake Ryan wants to be your boyfriend!!). But this lesson seems more make believe than helpful.
I highly recommend all of you go watch these movies if you have yet to see them. You won't regret it.
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