The thing I liked most about this film, along with Say Anything, is that they both talked about things that are almost certainly to happen to most teenagers: how one deals with expectations and when your reality doesn't meet what you presume it should.
A lot of other 80s films are enjoyable and do talk at a teen level (rather than preach to them), but the scenarios are more either Wish Fulfillment, or fantasy.
S Ko W is neither - it handles an all-too-common scenario for teens: understanding the difference between reality and fantasy, and avoids the cliches for the main characters. There's still some general troping going on, but it is in service to the main character's being presented as fully developed people, not just a 2D single personality.
Say Anything is about finding happiness in places you didn't think possible because of YOUR preconceptions. S Ko W is about happiness through learning what you really want, not what you THINK you want because of society. They're related issues, which is why I think watching them in a pair is a great idea.
I liked Pretty in Pink less, because it played a lot of stuff pretty straight, without the introspection and self awareness that both SA and S Ko W have. And don't get me started on how Sixteen Candles REALLY hasn't aged well.
In short, I have to say this isn't a flashy movie, it's not one where you get lots of laughs, and you don't cry through it, either. But it's a fabulous heartfelt film, and one that sticks with you a long time.
One of the best of the 80s teen films
The thing I liked most about this film, along with Say Anything, is that they both talked about things that are almost certainly to happen to most teenagers: how one deals with expectations and when your reality doesn't meet what you presume it should.
A lot of other 80s films are enjoyable and do talk at a teen level (rather than preach to them), but the scenarios are more either Wish Fulfillment, or fantasy.
S Ko W is neither - it handles an all-too-common scenario for teens: understanding the difference between reality and fantasy, and avoids the cliches for the main characters. There's still some general troping going on, but it is in service to the main character's being presented as fully developed people, not just a 2D single personality.
Say Anything is about finding happiness in places you didn't think possible because of YOUR preconceptions. S Ko W is about happiness through learning what you really want, not what you THINK you want because of society. They're related issues, which is why I think watching them in a pair is a great idea.
I liked Pretty in Pink less, because it played a lot of stuff pretty straight, without the introspection and self awareness that both SA and S Ko W have. And don't get me started on how Sixteen Candles REALLY hasn't aged well.
In short, I have to say this isn't a flashy movie, it's not one where you get lots of laughs, and you don't cry through it, either. But it's a fabulous heartfelt film, and one that sticks with you a long time.