Directed by: John Hughes.
Starring: Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall, Ally Sheedy, John Kapelos and Paul Gleason.
Before I even start explaining, I have to say, this is one of the best movies I’ve seen all year. I don’t know why it has taken me so long to watch it, but I’m glad that I finally got the chance. I simply love this movie.
Well to start of, the story surrounds five students – Allison, Andrew, John, Brian and Claire, who are all from different spectrums of the high school clique system, who after it seems like they have nothing in common at first, come together, during a Saturday afternoon of detention.
The film is mostly shot in the school library, where their principal, Richard Vernon (Paul Gleason) has made it clear that they are not allowed to leave until 4pm that day. John Bender (Judd Nelson), who is portrayed as the trouble-maker in this film, has a very negative relationship with Mr Vernon and proceeds to rile him, and during the course of the movie, the other students, most prominently – the sexuall harrassment of Claire (Molly Ringwald), who is portrayed as the rich daddy’s girl, and the mocking of Brian (Anthony Michael Hall), the brain, and Andrew (Emilio Estevez), the athlete. Allison (Ally Sheedy), the basket case, isn’t affected by Bender, and usually her dialogue is refrained to just random outbursts.
It is then later on revealed that all of these students have secrets, that contribute to the way they are. Bender, for instance, comes from an dysfunctional, abusive family, and Andrew hates his father for pushing him too hard to be number one all the time. Claire comes from a dysfunctional family also, with her parents on the brink of divorce who she thinks use her to get back at each other and she is ashamed of her virginity, which is also Brian’s reason, and the fact he tried to commit suicide because his parents push him to be number one also (although, academically, instead of physically). Lastly, Allison is a complusive liar, and she hates her homelife and thinks of running away. She was only at detention because she had nothing better to do.
Such a well-crafted film, witty, and overall brilliant.
Verdict: I think you should just go watch it now.
Have to agree – awesome 80’s movie! Can we even compare the brat-packers of yester year to today’s – who are they anyway??? A brilliantly executed movie and only these talented actors and actresses can pull it off – an entire movie set in a classroom environment. Ally Sheedy’s dark character was superbly portrayed. Have you seen Sheedy, Judd and the rest of the clan in St Elmo’s Fire? Watch that one too, it won’t disappoint!
See my reviews of Pretty in Pink also starring Molly Ringwald (Breakfast Club) and Andrew McCarthy; and About Last Night starring Demi Moore and Rob Lowe. They all form part of the 80’s brat-pack along with Judd, Sheedy & Estevez.
I have indeed, you should read my review on St. Elmo’s Fire. :D
Took a look at your reviews on Pretty in Pink and About Last Night – I completely agree with you!!
I agree 100% It is another one of the total 80’s classics that you could watch a million times and it never gets old. It also shows how much movies have changed over the years. How we are now relaying on sex and stupid humor to sell a movie. Yes some of them are quite good. However most can not even be compared to a classic such as this. Some other classics you might like also with Molly Ringwald is Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, and Getting The Pretty Back. The last one I have yet to see but I heard was good.