Superbad
This comedy follows two friends as they navigate the final weeks of highschool and the fate of their friendship after they leave for college. With their high school graduation looming, a trio of friends embark on a quest to supply alcohol for their first (and last) high school house party. While there is some low-brow, sexual humor, the story really is touching, and it’s satisfying to witness transformaitons of the two main characters from beginning to end. If you haven’t already seen it, watch Superbad. And if you already have, watch it again!
My Own Private Idaho
Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Henry IV, this adventure drama film follows a friendship between two young men, portrayed by River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves (I could just end it here… this casting should be reason enough to watch the movie!) Both performances are exceptional, and the journey of self-discovery followed by the two men makes for a watching experience that is both exciting and moving. The film leans into the avant-garde stylistically, which can make the film feel either confusing or interesting, depending on who you ask. I found the unorthodox film style to be interesting, as it kept me engaged even when the plot got confusing.
Boy
This heartwarming comedy-drama directed by Taika Waititi takes place in 1984 New Zealand. Alamein, otherwise known as ‘Boy’, is a happy, Michael Jackson-obsessed kid living in a small farm town on New Zealand’s coast. His free-range childhood is interrupted by his father’s return from prison (charmingly portrayed by director Taika Waititi), and further complicated as he and his father embark on a hunt for a hidden stash of stolen-cash that landed his dad in jail in the first place. Themes of loss, grief, childhood, and fantasy strengthen this touching coming-of-age film, making it a great choice for a comedy thats both funny and moving.
Slums of Beverly Hills
Natasha Lyon stars in this 1998 cult-classic, portraying Vivian, a teenage girl struggling to grow up in Los Angeles with a constantly-relocating nomadic Jewish family in the 1970’s. Growing up between cheap apartments and raised by a single dad in Beverly Hills, fourteen year-old Vivian finds her life lacking structure and maternal influence. When her older cousin unexpectedly arrives from rehab, Vivian finds a sister-figure in her, and the two bond. This cult classic perfectly captures confusion, disaffection, and self-examination that laces adolescence.
Y Tu Mamá También
This Mexican road-film, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, follows the relationship between two young men, Julio and Tenoch, as they embark on an impromptu road trip with a mysterious woman that they both desire. The film takes place between wealthy suburbs and beachside slums in Mexico, and is set against a backdrop of political upheaval in Mexico City. There’s an underlying sense of tension in the film- the strength of the two boys’s friendship is tested by the interruption of an attractive older woman, and the stress of their relationship is intensified by the socio-political tones in the movie. On their cross-country escapade, Julio and Tenoch find connection with their country and with one another, hence the “Coming of Age” nature of the film. This raunchy comedy-drama is incredibly moving and compelling, and perfect for when you’re desiring a ‘road-trip’ of a movie.
Graduate First
This 1978 French drama examines the uncertainty of the transition out of high school and into adulthood. The film centers around a group of schoolfriends living in a quiet suburb in the north of France. Unemployed and disengaged, these teenagers are set adrift and left to navigate this emotionally-charged passage with only the
love and support of each other. This passive Coming of Age film is aesthetically appealing but somewhat slow, making it a good choice for a lazy matinee. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it, and I think you will too.
A Bronx Tale
This movie is Robert DeNiro’s directorial debut. The film details the childhood of Calogero, a young boy growing up with a humble upbringing in an Italian, mafia-run community in the Bronx during the late 1950s. Calogero, intrigued by the seductive allure of the mob, inserts himself in their inner circle, and an unexpected incident draws him deep into the innerworkings of the mafia. Calogero’s loyalty to his Italian community is challenged by a love affair forbidden by racism the film draws you into the fraught social structure of Italian communities threatened by the changing tide of the 1960’s.
Loves of a Blonde
This 1965 Polish film, a work of the esteemed New Wave director Miloṥ Forman, follows a young woman’s reluctant and non-commital search for love. Andula, a teenager living in a sleepy Czech industrial town, vivifies her dull monotonous life as a shoe-factory worker by pursuing a relationship with a travelling musician. The cast is largely non-professional, resulting in performances that feel especially genuine. Lke many Polish New-Wave films, the stylized allure of the setting contrasts nicely with the film’s political critique of Communist infleunce in the country. I found the indifference and warmth of Andula’s character to be relatable. The film is light and enjoyable, with just enough deeper themes to keep you engaged.
The Graduate
This 1967 Oscar-winner portrays a complete metamorphosis from start to finish. Dustin Hoffman portrays Ben, a disillusioned recent college graduate at a crossroads: He is torn between his attraction to a bright young woman whom he loves, and her alcoholic mother with whom he’s having an affair. The women in Ben’s life, as well as the visuals in the film, reinforce the greater theme of uncertainty of life direction. The love triangle Ben finds himself caught in represents the greater theme of directionlessness. The Graduate tackles the great uncertainty of life, by way of contrasting the materialism of the 1960’s and the pursuit of meaningful relationships. The setting, performances, camerawork, and soundtrack of The Graduate make it an all-around perfect movie with an ending that will leave you satisfied.
One Sings, the Other Doesn’t
This 1977 French film directed by Agnès Varda focuses on the Women’s Movement of 1970’s France through the lens of sisterhood, following the lifelong relationship between two women. Though forged under unfortunate circumstances, the two women’s friendship endures their time apart from one another. The film takes viewers through the women’s independent lives as they meet, separate, marry different men, and reunite in late adulthood. Stylized, musical, and colorful, this film is as entertaining as it is touching.
This comedy follows two friends as they navigate the final weeks of highschool and the fate of their friendship after they leave for college. With their high school graduation looming, a trio of friends embark on a quest to supply alcohol for their first (and last) high school house party. While there is some low-brow, sexual humor, the story really is touching, and it’s satisfying to witness transformaitons of the two main characters from beginning to end. If you haven’t already seen it, watch Superbad. And if you already have, watch it again!
My Own Private Idaho
Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Henry IV, this adventure drama film follows a friendship between two young men, portrayed by River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves (I could just end it here… this casting should be reason enough to watch the movie!) Both performances are exceptional, and the journey of self-discovery followed by the two men makes for a watching experience that is both exciting and moving. The film leans into the avant-garde stylistically, which can make the film feel either confusing or interesting, depending on who you ask. I found the unorthodox film style to be interesting, as it kept me engaged even when the plot got confusing.
Boy
This heartwarming comedy-drama directed by Taika Waititi takes place in 1984 New Zealand. Alamein, otherwise known as ‘Boy’, is a happy, Michael Jackson-obsessed kid living in a small farm town on New Zealand’s coast. His free-range childhood is interrupted by his father’s return from prison (charmingly portrayed by director Taika Waititi), and further complicated as he and his father embark on a hunt for a hidden stash of stolen-cash that landed his dad in jail in the first place. Themes of loss, grief, childhood, and fantasy strengthen this touching coming-of-age film, making it a great choice for a comedy thats both funny and moving.
Slums of Beverly Hills
Natasha Lyon stars in this 1998 cult-classic, portraying Vivian, a teenage girl struggling to grow up in Los Angeles with a constantly-relocating nomadic Jewish family in the 1970’s. Growing up between cheap apartments and raised by a single dad in Beverly Hills, fourteen year-old Vivian finds her life lacking structure and maternal influence. When her older cousin unexpectedly arrives from rehab, Vivian finds a sister-figure in her, and the two bond. This cult classic perfectly captures confusion, disaffection, and self-examination that laces adolescence.
Y Tu Mamá También
This Mexican road-film, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, follows the relationship between two young men, Julio and Tenoch, as they embark on an impromptu road trip with a mysterious woman that they both desire. The film takes place between wealthy suburbs and beachside slums in Mexico, and is set against a backdrop of political upheaval in Mexico City. There’s an underlying sense of tension in the film- the strength of the two boys’s friendship is tested by the interruption of an attractive older woman, and the stress of their relationship is intensified by the socio-political tones in the movie. On their cross-country escapade, Julio and Tenoch find connection with their country and with one another, hence the “Coming of Age” nature of the film. This raunchy comedy-drama is incredibly moving and compelling, and perfect for when you’re desiring a ‘road-trip’ of a movie.
Graduate First
This 1978 French drama examines the uncertainty of the transition out of high school and into adulthood. The film centers around a group of schoolfriends living in a quiet suburb in the north of France. Unemployed and disengaged, these teenagers are set adrift and left to navigate this emotionally-charged passage with only the
love and support of each other. This passive Coming of Age film is aesthetically appealing but somewhat slow, making it a good choice for a lazy matinee. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it, and I think you will too.
A Bronx Tale
This movie is Robert DeNiro’s directorial debut. The film details the childhood of Calogero, a young boy growing up with a humble upbringing in an Italian, mafia-run community in the Bronx during the late 1950s. Calogero, intrigued by the seductive allure of the mob, inserts himself in their inner circle, and an unexpected incident draws him deep into the innerworkings of the mafia. Calogero’s loyalty to his Italian community is challenged by a love affair forbidden by racism the film draws you into the fraught social structure of Italian communities threatened by the changing tide of the 1960’s.
Loves of a Blonde
This 1965 Polish film, a work of the esteemed New Wave director Miloṥ Forman, follows a young woman’s reluctant and non-commital search for love. Andula, a teenager living in a sleepy Czech industrial town, vivifies her dull monotonous life as a shoe-factory worker by pursuing a relationship with a travelling musician. The cast is largely non-professional, resulting in performances that feel especially genuine. Lke many Polish New-Wave films, the stylized allure of the setting contrasts nicely with the film’s political critique of Communist infleunce in the country. I found the indifference and warmth of Andula’s character to be relatable. The film is light and enjoyable, with just enough deeper themes to keep you engaged.
The Graduate
This 1967 Oscar-winner portrays a complete metamorphosis from start to finish. Dustin Hoffman portrays Ben, a disillusioned recent college graduate at a crossroads: He is torn between his attraction to a bright young woman whom he loves, and her alcoholic mother with whom he’s having an affair. The women in Ben’s life, as well as the visuals in the film, reinforce the greater theme of uncertainty of life direction. The love triangle Ben finds himself caught in represents the greater theme of directionlessness. The Graduate tackles the great uncertainty of life, by way of contrasting the materialism of the 1960’s and the pursuit of meaningful relationships. The setting, performances, camerawork, and soundtrack of The Graduate make it an all-around perfect movie with an ending that will leave you satisfied.
One Sings, the Other Doesn’t
This 1977 French film directed by Agnès Varda focuses on the Women’s Movement of 1970’s France through the lens of sisterhood, following the lifelong relationship between two women. Though forged under unfortunate circumstances, the two women’s friendship endures their time apart from one another. The film takes viewers through the women’s independent lives as they meet, separate, marry different men, and reunite in late adulthood. Stylized, musical, and colorful, this film is as entertaining as it is touching.
Coming of Age: 10 Essential Films
In film, “Coming of Age” is defined as the portrayal of the transition from childhood to adulthood. I think that “Coming of Age” can actually be interpreted as something much broader, extending beyond literal age and instead referring to a metamorphic development that we witness in the characters on-screen, as people step into new versions of themselves. I have collected ten Coming of Age films that I find to communicate metamorphosis. Consider these when you’re in the mood for transformation!
By Talia Kornzweig
In film, “Coming of Age” is defined as the portrayal of the transition from childhood to adulthood. I think that “Coming of Age” can actually be interpreted as something much broader, extending beyond literal age and instead referring to a metamorphic development that we witness in the characters on-screen, as people step into new versions of themselves. I have collected ten Coming of Age films that I find to communicate metamorphosis. Consider these when you’re in the mood for transformation!
By Talia Kornzweig