THE BREAKFAST CLUB at HOLLYWOOD TEEN MOVIES

"The Breakfast Club" written & directed by master filmmaker John Hughes is a thought provoking character study about 5 high school students on Saturday detention in the school library. It is considered by many fans to be the greatest teen film of the 1980's, mainly because the feelings & emotions of its characters ring true. The five students come from different backgrounds, each with their own unique personality. The talented young cast are successful in making their amazing characters come to life, John Bender the criminal (Judd Nelson), Alison the weirdo (Ally Sheedy), Brian the brain (Anthony Michael Hall), Andrew the athlete (Emilio Estevez), & Claire the popular prom queen (Molly Ringwald). All the actors in the film turn their characters into something more than thinly guised charicatures, they become 3 demensional & their feelings & emotions are explained. Judd Nelson stands out in the more meaty role of troubled teen John Bender. His portrayal is truly electrifying.

The Breakfast Club is unforgettable from start to finish. Over the the opening credits we hear the theme tune "Don't You Forget About Me" sung by Simple Minds & this is shortly followed by an unexpected written quote by musician David Bowie. In the opening scenes of the film the students are asked to write an essay for the principal. The film has a powerful ending with a strong narrative detailing what was written in the essay:

"Dear Mr. Vernon,

We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole saturday for whatever it was you thought we did wrong, but we think you're crazy to make us write an essay on who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us, in the simpliest terms and the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain & an athlete, a basket case, a princess & a criminal. Does that answer your question?
Sincerely yours,

The Breakfast Club"

The film ends with the John Bender character (Judd Nelson) triumphantly punching the air, symbolizing a positive progression of his character. "The Breakfast Club" is the quintessential 80's teen classic. It usually ranks in most people's top 5 list. It is brilliantly directed by John Hughes, the king of quality teen films & wonderfully acted by a professional young cast. If you haven't seen it, rent it or buy it today & witness for yourself, the power of the film that spoke to the teen generation of the 80's.