There is one reason in particular I believe as to why this movie has been known as an all time favorite. That reason long story short is because each character represents the typical stereotypes of high school, whether it be the "criminal," the "athlete," the "basket case," the "princess," or even the "brain."
These different kids are put in detention, only seeing one another for what's on the surface, highlighting how they think they know one another just from what they see. Throughout the movie, the characters develop, telling one another their different stories-their struggles at home.
The criminal figure's name is John Bender. He's from a troubled working class background, and is a victim of child abuse, particularly by his father. While it seems at the beginning that he dislikes the others, he is very upset when Andy doesn't believe his imitation of life at his house. He also falls for the girl Claire, the princess of the group, by the end of the movie.
Claire, the princess of the group, is snobby and stuck up and admits to not having the desire to hang out with anyone who is not popular. She does later admit she feels pressured by her friends. During detention she helps Allison fix her image and respond to Andrew's feelings towards her. Claire ends up falling for Bender, the rebellious teen that she originally hated.
Allison Reynolds is known as the "basket case." She is the most socially isolated and claims to have no friends. For the first half of the film she is quiet, save for occasional squeaks of fear and a few random outbursts, and contributes nothing to the conversations between the others. Later on she opens up, particularly to Andy. She is from a lower-middle class background and is neglected by her parents.
Andy Clark is the athlete in the group. He also has a tumultuous relationship with his father who is always pushing Andrew "to be a winner". He is popular at school and at first is timid to befriend all the other students in detention. By the end of the film, he is able to admit that he has not been allowed to think for himself and he begins a relationship with Allison.
The brain of the group is Brian Johnson. He comes from a upper middle class background. At home, Brian is pressured by his parents to be a perfect academic and to get accepted into a prestigious university. The pressure he deals with everyday causes his great distress and depression. He tries to keep peace in the group. He writes the ending letter and gives the group the name "The Breakfast Club."
The lesson of the movie is to not judge a person just by their appearance, and that is one thing I truly admire of it. I love that the movie is so popular, the message is strong. Maybe one day society will finally begin to accept people for who they really are, no matter their background, and without stereotype.
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