Plot Summary Five vastly different teens - a jock played by Emilio Estevez, a princess played by Molly Ringwald, a nerd played by Anthony Michael Hall, a freak played by Ally Sheedy, and a rebel played by Judd Nelson - find themselves stuck in detention on a Saturday morning. At first it seems they have nothing in common and they are irritable and vicious with each other, needled by Judd Nelson's character who is aching, as always, to stir up trouble. But their mutual hatred of the principal and the circumstances they find themselves in lead to unlikely bonding. One by one they peel away the layers of their stereotypical roles to find that they are more alike than they ever could have imagined - principally in their feelings of unhappiness and inadequacy. This classic movie is not only about adolescence, but about identity and acceptance and the frailty of humanity overall.
Critical Analysis
Despite the seriously dated clothes and hair, the soundtrack, and the general eighties aesthetic that is pervasive in this classic film, The Breakfast Club rings just as true now as it did when it was originally released in 1985. The themes of isolation, parental and societal pressure, self-esteem, and identity are just as relevant to young adults today. In this way The Breakfast Club is timeless. This is a cerebral movie based more on character development than action. The dialog is intelligent and witty - and very wordy, but not overly so. The performances in this movie are legendary - most notably Molly Ringwald as Claire, the spoiled princess who slowly reveals herself to be a secret mess despite her outer confidence, and Judd Nelson as John Bender, the delinquent rebel with a cruel streak whose anger and scorn propel this story. All of the other players are vulnerable and enthralling in their roles as well - Ally Sheedy as the shy freaky girl who is transformed by the end into a pretty, "normal" girl (my only problem with this movie's message), a tender young Anthony Michael Hall as the overachieving, super intelligent nerd who has to put up with bullying from the jocks, and Emilio Estevez as the untouchable, popular jock who seems to have it all. They play both their stereotypes and their true inner characters with expert ability, making this not just another teen movie, but an important exploration into the external and self-imposed pressures teens have to live through, and the ways we relate to each other as humans.
About the Director
John Hughes grew up and graduated from high school on the outskirts of Chicago. He attended college in Phoenix, Arizona, but dropped out to move back to Chicago and work as a copywriter. His writing career began when he sold a story to National Lampoon Magazine about a family vacation, which later became the classic comedy National Lampoon's Vacation starring Chevy Chase. His directorial debut was Sixteen Candles, starring an unknown Molly Ringwald. This movie was extremely popular with teens, as it depicted high school in such realistic terms. He followed Sixteen Candles with The Breakfast Club, another huge hit, and from there went on to create a number of classic comedy films and launch the careers of a number of unknown actors. Known as the Brat Pack, these actors were Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Andrew McCarthy, and the cast of The Breakfast Club, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall, and Emilio Estevez. Some of Hughes' most celebrated films include Pretty in Pink, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, and Home Alone. Although he continued to make films, he withdrew from the public eye in 1994 and passed away of a heart attack in 2009. He was survived by his wife Nancy, their two children, and four grandchildren.
Annotation
Five teens, each representing a different stereotype, find themselves trapped in detention on a Saturday. Although they initially seem to be very different, the more they talk, the more they discover that they are alike in ways that surprise them.
Genre
Comedy/Drama - coming of age
Challenge Issues
Possible challenge issues in this movie include profanity, discussion of sex, underage drinking and drugs, and general teen disobedience. In the event of a challenge, I would consult the challenge defense file prepared for this movie. The challenge defense file would include: positive reviews from credible sources for the purpose of proving merit to the challenger; negative reviews in order to inform me on what might be challenged; a written explanation of my own rationale for including the movie in the collection as well as a summary of the plot; the American Library Association Bill of Rights; a review of my branch’s selection policy; and, as a last resort, an explanation of the reconsideration policy for my library and an official reconsideration form.
Curriculum Ties
Character development and stereotypes.
Interest Age
Grades 9-12, and beyond.
Why I Included This Movie
The Breakfast Club is an undeniable classic that will continue to resonate with young adults as long as they are watching it, regardless of how old it is. It belongs in any collection.
References
John Hughes. (2011). Biography.com. Retrieved from http://www.biography.com/people/john-hughes-476258
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