Adolescence through the lens of films: (coming of age movies)

adolescent movies - they are also known as coming-of-age films as it’s a genre of movies that focus on the experiences and challenges faced by teenagers during adolescence.

ADOLESCENCE THROUGH THE LENS OF FILMS:

Adolescence is the crucial period in one’s life where they go through physical and hormonal changes which usually start around puberty's onset, and last until the late teenage years. This time of a person’s life plays a significant and influential role in determining their destiny. Laying the groundwork for a person's personal, social, and cognitive development, it is a period of self-discovery, growth, and adult preparedness. During this time, teenagers often question their beliefs, values, and personal identity, explore different social roles, experiment with interests and hobbies, and seek autonomy in decision-making. They also develop more complex relationships outside of their family, such as friendships and peer acceptance. They also explore romantic and sexual relationships, navigating the challenges of attraction, intimacy, and emotional connections.

And in all of that, their social influences matter a lot. One of the major social influences and the source of entertainment for the growing adolescents has to be films. They can evoke emotions, provide role models, influence socialization, and promote cultural awareness.

Now, about adolescent movies - they are also known as coming-of-age films as it’s a genre of movies that focus on the experiences and challenges faced by teenagers during adolescence. They resonate with the young adolescent audience as it captures the unseen struggles, numerous emotions and triumphs of one’s transformative stage of life.

Here are some of the top coming-of-age films, whose impeccable plotlines and vivid depictions of adolescent life have changed how people view teenagers.

1. PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER (2012): "The Perks of Being a Wallflower", starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller and Paul Rudd along with Nina Dobrev, is a movie adaptation of its book written by Stephen Chbosky which is centred on Charlie, a shy high school freshman.

Charlie chronicles his battles with mental illness, navigating friendships, and locating himself in the world through a number of letters addressed to an anonymous recipient. Sam and Patrick, two seniors with whom he develops close relationships, expose him to new experiences and assist him in embracing his true self. The movie addresses the themes of love, acceptance, and the transforming power of friendship as Charlie learns to confront his past and face the difficulties of growing up.

A painful and thought-provoking experience is produced by the film's sympathetic portrayal of youth, in addition to its resonant soundtrack and visually stunning photography. In the end, it affirms the value of sincere relationships and has a profound effect on its audience.

2. LADYBIRD (2017): Greta Gerwig's "Ladybird" is another one of the top picks when it comes to Coming-of-Age movies. Starring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges and Timothée Chalamet with Beanie Feldstein, set in Sacramento, California, in the early 2000s, the movie follows the journey of Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson, a high school senior navigating the complexities of adolescence, family dynamics, and her own aspirations. Despite her distressed relationship with her mother and the financial limitations of her family, Lady Bird longs to leave her hometown and attend college on the East Coast. 

Identity, self-discovery, and the difficult passage from adolescent to maturity are among the themes explored in the movie. It depicts Lady Bird's relationships' highs and lows, her encounters with love and loss, and her struggle for independence. "Lady Bird" reflects the common challenges and victories of growing up through its honest storyline, enduring performances, and witty humour.

3. EIGHTH GRADE (2018): "Eighth Grade", starring Elsie Fisher, Luke Prael, Emily Robinson and Josh Hamilton along with Daniel Zolghadri, was written and directed by Bo Burnham. It centres around Kayla Day, a socially awkward and introverted eighth-grader who is ready to graduate from middle school and enter high school. Kayla has a YouTube channel where she gives advice on subjects like confidence and fitting in despite her fears and self-doubt. In the course of the movie, Kayla develops an odd relationship with Olivia (Emily Robinson), an outgoing and sympathetic high school girl. Even as she navigates her own internal problems and concerns, Olivia urges Kayla to leave her comfort zone and embrace new experiences.

The film has received recognition for its vivid portrayal of the adolescent experience, which captures the anxieties, challenges, and emotional ups and downs of puberty.The film also addresses themes such as self-acceptance, self-discovery, and the impact of technology on young people's lives.The struggles and victories of growing up are sensitively and empathetically portrayed, emphasising how universal these experiences are.

4. THE BREAKFAST CLUB (1985): Starring Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall and Ally Sheedy. A true classic coming-of-age film from the 1980s directed by John Hughes, “The Breakfast Club” was one of its kind as it was one of the very first films which realistically portrayed adolescence, breaking stereotypes and had compelling character development of the five teenagers. The story revolves around five high school students from different social groups who are forced to spend a Saturday together in detention at their school's library. Throughout the course of the day, they go from being strangers to forming unexpected connections and friendships.

Throughout the film, the characters break free from the confines of their social labels and reveal their vulnerabilities. They learn to see past the quick judgements they had formed about one another, debate each other's viewpoints, and face their own prejudices. The significance of empathy, comprehension, and acceptance is emphasised in the film itself.

The movie has been celebrated for its honest and poignant portrayal of teenage angst and the challenges of fitting in. It remains a beloved and influential film that continues to resonate with audiences, reminding them of the importance of understanding and breaking down the barriers that divide us.

5. BOYHOOD (2014): “Boyhood” was written and directed by Richard Linklater and it is still one of the best pieces of cinema. What set it apart from different films is its unique approach to storytelling, as it was filmed over a period of twelve years capturing the real-life growth and development of its main character, Mason Evans Jr. (played by Ellar Coltrane), from the age of six to eighteen. The film follows Mason as he navigates the difficulties, triumphs, and everyday events of childhood and adolescence. We observe his interactions with his sister Samantha(played by Lorelei Linklater), as well as his connection with his divorced parents Olivia(played by Patricia Arquette) and Mason Sr. (played by Ethan Hawke). 

"Boyhood" provides a comprehensive and accurate depiction of the passage of time and the development of its characters through its extensive filming method. Parental relationships, the effects of divorce, the influence of friends and mentors, the pursuit of individual aspirations, and the search for purpose in life are all topics covered in the movie.

Exploring adolescence through the lens of films offers a captivating and illuminating journey into the complexities of this transformative stage of life. Movies have the power to capture the essence of adolescence, depicting the challenges, triumphs, and universal experiences that shape teenagers' lives. From identity formation and coming-of-age narratives to family dynamics, social commentary, and mental health exploration, films provide a platform for understanding and empathy. They allow audiences to reflect on their own experiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of adolescent growth. By watching these films, we gain insights into the emotional landscapes of young people, and in turn, develop a greater sense of compassion and connection. Through the art of storytelling, films continue to be an invaluable resource for exploring, understanding, and appreciating the remarkable journey of adolescence.