Movie Review: The Breakfast Club

By Marjorie Kase

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What Parents Should Know
Parents should know that this film deals with themes that may be inappropriate for younger teens. Topics such as suicide, depression, social alienation, materialism, sex, and parental physical and emotional abuse are discussed openly. Main characters use very strong language, smoke pot on screen in the school library, and mock authority figures. One smokes cigarettes, draws a switchblade, and makes lewd gestures. He reveals cigar burns on his body as evidence of his father's abuse. The film does positively encourage the breakdown of social barriers as a means of identification and improved communication.

Families who watch this movie could discuss how relevant and realistic they feel it is. Do teens feel that their high school has a similar clique structure? Allison describes Bender's question about Claire's virginity as a "double-edged sword…a trap," stating, "Well, if you say you haven't...you're a prude. If you say you have...you're a slut." Her argument is nothing new, but it does present a good opportunity for families to talk about society's views on sex and gender. Do teens still feel this double standard is in effect?

Common Sense Media Review
At a time when all teen cinema had to offer was sex comedies and slasher films, THE BREAKFAST CLUB (written and directed by teen angst auteur John Hughes) provided a refreshing alternative. It's the story of five high school students, who rank high and low in popularity, that are forced to spend nine hours together in Saturday detention. Without the whole school watching, "The Brain" (Anthony Michael Hall), "The Princess" (Molly Ringwald), "The Jock" (Emilio Estevez), "The Basket Case" (Ally Sheedy), and "The Misfit" (Judd Nelson) eventually discard their differences, discussing the events that brought them to detention. Gradually they come to realize that underneath the trappings of the high school social scene, the problems they face are more similar than they think.

Despite its occasional heavy-handedness, THE BREAKFAST CLUB is an earnest, engaging attempt at portraying teens and their problems in a realistic light. The film deals with very mature issues regarding family and school that both teens and parents can relate to. Brian, "The Brain," suffers extreme pressure by his parents to maintain a perfect grade point average. Claire, "The Princess," insists that being rich and the most popular girl at school has its downfalls. Andy, "The Jock," wants only to please his father, even if it means acting against his own moral code. Allison, "The Basket Case," seeks attention from her father through aberrant behavior. Bender, "The Misfit," reacts to physical and verbal abusive at home by defying authority, committing petty theft, and damaging school property. On the outside, the five may seem like clichéd stereotypes, yet as the film progresses, their confessions as to why they're in detention reveal a greater depth to their personas.

Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall, Emilio Estevez, and Ally Sheedy (for better or for worse) owe their careers to this film, and for good reason. The "Brat Pack's" solid performances coupled with Hughes' witty dialogue, choice direction, and his ability to balance drama and humor made it one of the most enduring, quotable teen films of all time. A great choice for older teens.

Families who enjoy THE BREAKFAST CLUB may want to check out other Hughes movies that deal with similar subjects such as Some Kind of Wonderful and Pretty in Pink . For lighter Hughes fare Sixteen Candles , the Home Alone series, and Uncle Buck are good choices as well.