The Breakfast Club

FilmComedy-DramaA&M
Written By Joshua Stanley

Watchability Score

★★★★★★★★★★☆

The Breakfast Club is a timeless classic that dives into the lives of five high school students as they spend a Saturday in detention. This coming-of-age film not only entertains but also emphasizes the importance of understanding each other's struggles, making it an engaging watch for anyone who’s ever felt out of place.

 

Mental Health Guide

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🩶🩶

The Breakfast Club does an admirable job of highlighting teenage angst and the various pressures young people face. The film takes us inside the minds of its characters, showcasing their vulnerabilities without turning them into caricatures. While it has its flaws, the movie ultimately delivers a hopeful message about connection and redemption.

 

Potentially Harmful Elements
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  • While the film does stereotype the characters, each individual is fleshed out, showing that everyone has their battles.

  • The film does not focus heavily on mental illness diagnoses, often leaning more towards personal dilemmas that teens face, allowing for relatable scenarios.

  • The film doesn’t delve into explicit themes of self-harm but touches on deep emotional struggles, which could be triggering for some.

  • There’s no implication that the characters’ internal struggles translate to aggression towards others; rather, it’s a journey to understanding.

  • The film includes moments of emotional intensity, but they are handled with care and context.

  • While the film flirts with romanticizing the high school experience, it ultimately brings a level of sincerity to the characters' struggles.

  • The portrayal of school authority figures is somewhat rigid, but there aren't any inhumane depictions typical of care settings.

Potentially Helpful Elements
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  • The characters resonate with real-life youth experiences, capturing their emotional states authentically.

  • The film beautifully illustrates how relationships can foster healing and personal growth, offering a hopeful view on recovery.

  • While there isn’t direct talk about seeking help, the connections formed between characters serve as a supportive backdrop.

  • The heart of the movie is the friendships formed during detention, emphasizing the importance of community support.

  • The film includes diverse character backgrounds, but it lacks deeper explorations of those identities.

  • Each character is given a voice, allowing them to express their frustrations and desires.

  • No direct resources for mental health are provided at the end, but the conversations within the film can foster reflection.

 

Trigger-WarningS

Emotional distress, references to self-harm, intense teenage drama

Joshua Stanley

FOUNDER & CEO of LIFESTYLED MARKETING — A filmmaker and photographer by trade, Josh’s focus has always been to communicate clear and compelling stories. As an entrepreneur at heart, his passion is helping new and growing businesses define their brand and build personal connections with their audiences.

https://www.joshuastanley.com
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