“The Breakfast Club” is a 1985 American teen coming-of-age comedy-drama film written, produced, and directed by John Hughes. It is considered a quintessential ’80s film and a seminal work in the teen genre. The movie stars Emilio Estevez, Paul Gleason, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, and Ally Sheedy, all members of what would collectively be known as the Brat Pack.
The story takes place on a Saturday at Shermer High School in the fictional town of Shermer, Illinois. Five students, each from a different social clique, arrive for an all-day detention overseen by the authoritarian Vice Principal Richard Vernon (Paul Gleason). The students have been assigned to write a 1,000-word essay describing who they think they are. At first, the group has little in common, but as the day progresses, they discover they have deeper similarities than they initially thought.
The characters that are all placed together this Saturday morning are; Andrew Clark played by Emilio Estevez: The “Athlete.” Andrew is a wrestling star pressured by his overbearing father to succeed in sports. He is dealing with his internal struggles to live up to his father’s expectations and the moral implications of bullying others to fit in.
Brian Johnson played by Anthony Michael Hall: The “Brain.” Brian is an academically driven student who excels in his studies but faces intense pressure from his parents to maintain high grades. He is grappling with feelings of inadequacy and fear of failure.
John Bender played by Judd Nelson: The “Criminal.” Bender comes from an abusive household and acts out as a way to cope with his tumultuous home life. He is rebellious, and defiant, and uses his tough exterior to shield his vulnerability. Claire Standish played by Molly Ringwald: The “Princess.” Claire is a popular, wealthy girl who struggles with her parents’ constant fighting and their attempts to buy her affection with material possessions. She is dealing with societal pressures to maintain her social status, and finally, Allison Reynolds played by Ally Sheedy: The “Basket Case.” Allison is a quirky, introverted girl who suffers from neglect at home. She hides her insecurities and loneliness behind eccentric behavior and self-imposed isolation.
As the day unfolds, the students initially clash due to their differences. John Bender antagonizes the others, especially Claire, whom he sees as a superficial snob. However, as the group spends more time together, they start to open up about their personal lives and the pressures they face.
They engage in various activities, including sneaking out of the library to explore the school, smoking marijuana, and engaging in deep conversations. Through these interactions, they learn about each other’s struggles and fears, forming an unexpected bond.
Towards the end of the day, the students realize they are not so different after all. Claire gives Allison a makeover, making her look more conventionally attractive, which catches the attention of Andrew. Claire and Bender share a moment of vulnerability and mutual understanding, leading to a budding romantic interest.
As detention ends, they reluctantly return to their previous roles but with a newfound respect and empathy for each other. Brian, who had been assigned to write an essay explaining who they think they are, writes a collective letter to Vice Principal Vernon on behalf of the group. In it, they challenge the labels and stereotypes that have been imposed on them, asserting that they are all more complex than their social identities suggest. At the core of “The Breakfast Club,” it explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the pressures of adolescence. It delves into the struggles of fitting into societal expectations and the desire to be understood beyond superficial labels. The film emphasizes the idea that people are more than the stereotypes they are assigned and that empathy and open communication can bridge divides.
The Other Cinema 