Should be required viewing for teens

Rating: 10/10 (23 March 2001)

Let's get my rants out of the way first.
I hate seeing this movie in the comedy sections of video stores. Have those people ever sat down and watched it? I'm willing to bet that they haven't.

I've also noted that this is a movie people either love or hate. Most of the people I know who hate it first watched it as adults. That is a HUGE mistake. Adults (and I know this because I find myself slowly, reluctantly transforming into one) tend to remember their teenage years with (can you believe this?) *FONDNESS*! I'm serious! Adults have it in their heads that being a teenager is *enjoyable*.
"The Breakfast Club" was one of the first films to try and show what kids really go through in high school. Most teen movies prior were something more like "Grease", all nostalgia and denial, no trauma or disillusion. Then this movie arrived with scene after excruciating scene of adolescent angst.
My humble opinion is this: If you are currently in high school you MUST watch this movie. If you wait, you'll be too old to get it. It is, simply put, the greatest teen movie ever made.
If you aren't tearing up by the middle of the second act, you are advised to check your pulse.