We are different, but yet we are alike!

Rating: 10/10 (5 February 2012)

The Breakfast Club is based on 5 students that have to attend Saturday school detention in the library of their high school. The students, John the criminal, played by Judd Nelson, Allison the basket case, played by Ally Sheedy, Brian the brain, played by Anthony Michael Hall, Clair the princess, played by Molly Ringwald and Andrew the athlete, played by Emilio Estevez, all come from different backgrounds. At the beginning of the movie, they appear to have nothing in common. However, by the end of the movie they have more in common than they thought. Many movies that deal with stereotyping, such as The Breakfast Club and Can't Buy Me Love, show that although, the belief that one group is better, or different than other groups, we still have common elements. The movies portray what it is like to come from different backgrounds and how stereotypes are formed. Whether the groups are jocks, nerds, or outcasts, if one takes the time to get to know the other by simply listening and opening ones heart, maybe they will see that we are all alike in some manner. We all have feelings. We are all out to find friends, love and happiness.
In the beginning, the students are put in the library as told to write an essay about who they think they are as a person. Andrew is a jock who is trying to please his father. Claire comes from a wealthy background and is in with the popular group, but feels as if her parents don't care about her and just use her to get back at one another. Brian is very smart, but his parents always expect more from him. John has a criminal history and comes from an abusive home. Allison is just very odd and feels that her parents ignore her and simply do not care about her.
Mr. Vernon, played by Paul Gleason has formed opinions on the students. He speaks about how John will never amount to anything and how he expects more from Andrew. John immediately lashes out at the others. Although his opinions are not taken well by the others, he may be the most honest among the group. John seems to know how to push their buttons and make them defensive. They begin by arguing and coming close to fighting. They all have negativity towards the each other based on friends, clothing and actions. The producer shows this by the simple shots of their shoes. It shows the designer boots, the tennis shows, the nerdy shoes, and the worn shoes, showing the different social classes.
Soon the social classes come together and form a unity. They begin to defend one another and after John introduces marijuana, they form a circle and begin to open up and share their feelings about life, parents, love and pain. While sharing their personal stories, the producer plays music to show the vulnerability of each student. The camera scans around the person and the circle. It draws the viewer in and helps pull at heartstrings. Although there is still arguing, a friendship is forming. Feelings never shared before with others are revealed with this new group.
Even though individual groups and separation still exists, a new club is formed. These 5 different students from different backgrounds and different cliques now become a part of a new club. They may not be friends outside of the library, but they will always be connected and known as The Breakfast Club.