 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Breakfast Club
- Review Date: November 30, 2005
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 1985
Common Sense Media says
Socially relevant '80s teen flick.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to 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.
What's the story?
THE BREAKFAST CLUB is 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, Brian "The Brain" (Anthony Michael Hall), Claire "The Princess" (Molly Ringwald), Andy "The Jock" (Emilio Estevez), Allison "The Basket Case" (Ally Sheedy), and Bender "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. Brian suffers extreme pressure by his parents to maintain a perfect grade point average. Claire insists that being rich and the most popular girl at school has its downfalls. Andy wants only to please his father, even if it means acting against his own moral code. Allison seeks attention from her father through aberrant behavior. And Bender reacts to physical and verbal abuse at home by defying authority, committing petty theft, and damaging school property.
Is it any good?
Despite its occasional heavy-handedness, writer/director John Hughes' film 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. On the outside, the five may seem like clichhd stereotypes, yet as the film progresses, their confessions as to why they're in detention reveal a greater depth to their personas.
Ringwald, Nelson, Hall, Estevez, and Sheedy 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.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about 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?
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AGE
When i saw this movie i was 13 and before i saw it i was told its really good and it was.
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AGE
Wait until you're mature enough to respect and get this movie...
Once your kid is close to high school or in high school they should watch it. Great moral, just a good movie that high school teens will get and like despite the fact its from the 80's.
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AGE
Don't you.....forget about me! Don't don't don't don't..........
I command you to rent this movie and show it to your kids
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AGE
i admire this movie its simply amazing the john Hughes at his best. the cast is wonderful. some language and drug use not to bad. if u havent seen it i suggest u do.
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AGE
The Breafast Club
I think the disrespectfulness to the authority figures wasnt all that bad, since the authority figures didn't show a bit of respect to the students. In my opinion, respect shouldn't be automatic, it should be earned. Period. Great movie, 5 stars.
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AGE
Best for older kids
I recently learned about this movie - it being made in the 80's and me being born in the 90's, I had no clue this movie existed - but, I watched it once and instantly fell in love with it! I laughed so much during this film and every time I watch it I laugh over and over again. It's so funny! Although they do swear a lot and there are a few scenes that would be iffy for children under 13, this is by far one of my favorite movies, a must watch classic!
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AGE
AWESOME MOVIE
I loved this movie! It kept me laughing and everything! One of the best movies ever!
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AGE
The second best John Hughes movie ever (behind Ferris Bueller's Day Off).
My rating: R for strong language, sexual content and teen drug use.
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AGE
A good time for older kids
This movie is one of my all time favorite films from the 80s. The characters are very well made up and it keeps your attention. I will say that it is appropriate for anyone 13 or high school aged. It is heavy on the language and some sexual dialogue but it isn't too graphic.
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| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Director: | John Hughes |
| Cast: | Ally Sheedy, Anthony Michael Hall, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 97 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | February 15, 1985 |
| DVD release date: | April 28, 1998 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
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