A narrative genre present in various artistic expressions such as literature, theatre, comics, video games and cinema, the “coming-of-age” is responsible for countless extraordinary works.
Coming of age works are those that portray the growth and maturation of one or more characters as they face the transition from childhood to adulthood.
In most cases, the protagonists or central subjects of the plot are typical teenagers, but they can also be children or young adults. Have you ever heard of this term? Below we list 5 notable works of the genre.
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Dazed and Confused (1993)
This cult classic directed by Richard Linklater is set in 1976 and its plot takes place in a single day.
Its story has no single protagonist or central conflict, but rather interconnected plots of a group of teenagers experiencing their last day of school at a high school in Austin, Texas.
The film’s cast included several future stars, such as Matthew McConaughey, Jason London, Ben Affleck, Milla Jovovich, Cole Hauser, Parker Posey, Anthony Rapp, Adam Goldberg, Joey Lauren Adams, and Rory Cochrane.
available for rental and purchase on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
Lady Bird: Time to Fly (2017)
Praised by critics, this “coming-of-age” is the directorial debut of Greta Gerwig, also known for directing “Barbie”.
The film revolves around teenager Christine (Saoirse Ronan), who is in her senior year of high school and goes by the name Lady Bird.
Set between 2002 and 2003 in Sacramento, California, the film deals with Lady Bird’s coming of age and her complicated relationship with her mother (Laurie Metcalf). The cast also includes Timothée Chalamet, Tracy Letts and Lucas Hedges.
Available for Globoplay subscribers.
Stand Next to Me (1986)
Based on the short story “The Body” by Stephen King, this coming-of-age film is an ’80s classic and one of the most beloved films of all time.
Directed by Rob Reiner, the film tells a story told by a writer (Richard Dreyfuss), who recalls a memorable event from his childhood. The memoir is set in 1959, when he was 12 years old, and follows the journey together with three friends of the same age in search of the body of a missing boy.
Telling a touching story of coming of age and self-discovery, the film stars children Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and Jerry O’Connell.
available to Netflix subscribers.
In the World of the Moon (1991)
Starring Reese Witherspoon in her film debut, “In the World of the Moon” is a drama that addresses a girl’s first love and her journey to adulthood.
The plot takes place in a rural area of the United States in the 1950s, following the story of Dani (Witherspoon), a teenager who maintains a very close relationship with her older sister (Emily Warfield).
Dani discovers love when she meets the young Court (Jason London). However, Dani’s boyfriend and sister end up falling in love and decide to hide their relationship so as not to hurt her. However, the teenager discovers the truth and rejects her sister. However, a tragic event ends up bringing them together again.
available to watch for free on NetMovies and for Looke subscribers.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Stephen Chbosky wrote and directed this romantic coming-of-age drama, adapted from a book he wrote of the same title. The film received critical acclaim and garnered a large fan base.
The plot follows Charlie (Logan Lerman), an introverted and socially awkward teenager dealing with emotional issues stemming from traumatic events in his past.
However, he begins to face the world when he becomes friends with brothers Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller), who welcome him into their circle of friends.
available to Netflix and Telecine subscribers.
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
