#POPCULTURE | ‘Rollin’ with the homies’: 9 Celluloid-Recommended Coming-of-Age Movies
Introduction by Kiko Angeles, Recommendations from Celluloid
The austerity of the Philippine Science High School — Main Campus Gym that 230 graduating Pisay students thronged is eased only by the yellow flowers and zippy graduation placards scattered all over the venue. The most noticeable of these placards is posted on the wall facing the crowd, which reads “Ika-53 na Palatuntunan ng Pagtatapos.” (53rd Graduation Ceremony)
If you’re part of the free-spirited Class of 2023, the multitude of signs affirming the end of an era likely brings up one looming, swelling question: What happens next?
At a time that feels like the blank space of idleness between Christmas and New Year, the coming-of-age movie — built on the universal experience of trying to find your place in the world — offers a cathartic escape.
From The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, a candy-colored French New Wave Musical, to Booksmart, a sharp showcase of preppy angst, the coming-of-age movie genre — capturing the nuances of teen language, style, parent–child relationship, and emotional turmoil — transcends words and generations.
With school break in full swing, leaving some with twinges of emptiness, indulging in this genre affirms that every life experience, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is a puzzle piece to the person one’s destined to become. Even post-graduation blues. To get you started, here are nine coming-of-age movie recommendations, courtesy of Pisay’s official film club, Celluloid.
1. American Graffiti dir. George Lucas (1973)
Watch on iTunes PH
Recommended by: Thandie Mavis C. Aliño
Where were you in ‘62?
This simple yet catchy tagline of the film not just captures the year in which it was set, but also invokes feelings of remembrance and nostalgia — two key factors of this coming-of-age masterpiece from the creator of Star Wars, George Lucas (in fact, I think this is his better film).
The setting and plot are also simple, consisting of vignettes of a group of high school graduates spending one final night with buddies before going off to college. Their adventures are also ordinary yet fun: one is trying to find a beauty who drove past him on a street, one is cruising around with a date, a few are stopping by the school dance, and one is a race car king forced to babysit an annoying preteen.
It is a very fun and lighthearted film but is also tinged with a bittersweetness, as the prevailing feeling that surrounds these friends is that they’re just trying to prolong their childhood before they become adults, and are on the edge of “an end of an era.” Set in a year preceding the fallout of the Vietnam War in America, American Graffiti is a true beauty with an awesome rock ’n’ roll soundtrack, great acting, unforgettable vibes, and laughs and bittersweet pangs all around.
2. Let the Right One In dir. Tomas Alfredson (2008)
Recommended by: Thandie Mavis C. Aliño
Perhaps the most unorthodox coming-of-age film on this list, Let the Right One In is about a bullied preteen boy who moves to suburban Stockolhm and strikes up an unlikely friendship with a strange child who only appears at night and happens to like feasting on unsuspecting adults’ blood, as he discovers. This is my favorite vampire film, mostly because it transcends typical monster conventions and really emphasizes the less glamorous parts of being one for so long. And like many great horror films, the true horror is not the monster but something deeper: in this case, loneliness.
The boy’s coming-of-age centers on his newfound emotions, his pent-up aggression and frustration (channeled through his vampiric friend Eli), his fragility and loneliness, the pangs of his adolescence and the inability of adults to pick these up, and finally, his unexpected connection to the aforementioned strange friend. The film is all about possibility in the face of impossibility — how warmth can reach through the cold of one’s physical surroundings in odd ways.
3. Whisper of the Heart dir. Yoshifumi Kondō (1995)
Watch on Netflix PH
Recommended by: Kristoffer Verbist A. Lapitan
This animated film is based on the manga of the same name and follows Shizuku, an inquisitive young girl and voracious reader who aspires to be a writer when she grows up. One day, she notices that Seiji Amasawa has previously taken out all of her library books. Shizuku hopes to find this mysterious boy who may be her soul mate while chasing after a large cat, befriending an eccentric antiques dealer, and writing her first novel.
I adore this film, and the fact that they used “Take Me Home, Country Roads” as a central theme in their music gives me goosebumps — it was truly a power move on their part. That song made me appreciate the movie even more because it was also a favorite of my grandfather. Furthermore, nearly all of it is relatable to me.
4. Wonder dir. Stephen Chbosky (2017)
Watch on Netflix PH
Recommended by: Oliver C. Cortez
Wonder is a tale about a young boy, Auggie — a victim of face disfigurement caused by a rare illness — who is enrolled into school after years of studying at home, which makes him nervous considering he has not interacted with anyone outside his family. The film follows his attempts to navigate school life as his peers mock his appearance and bully him for it..
Given the amount of discrimination and mockery many people have to face because of their appearance (yes, racism very much included), having a boy with a facial deformity as the central protagonist is truly satisfying. What’s especially amazing about this film is that it is able to explore his personality, the relationships he has with his family and friends (and their individual backstories), and how he is able to grow as a human being throughout the film, while not focusing too much on his deformity or his illness.
I also love how Auggie’s story is actually told through the perspectives of himself, his sister, their best friends, and their parents. It allows him to explore his world and tell his story while giving people an opportunity to look at what the people in his life think of him.
5. Sonata (2013) dir. Lore Reyes & Peque Gallaga
Recommended by: Amaris Laelle A. Tomas
Sonata is about Regina Cadena, a fallen opera singer who rediscovers life and love thanks to a miracle trip back home. With only cigarettes, bottles of wine, and a short-lived affair with her ex-husband, her personal and career lives take a reinvigorated turn due to a young lad’s serious efforts to help her. The journey follows the young boy experiencing his coming-of-age and Regina rediscovering her coming-of-age, while helping each other.
It’s a movie to hold dear to oneself for two reasons. One, it’s the realization one comes to while watching Regina be brought back to life thanks to the people that cared for her, especially Jonjon. She overcame her addictions and finally made things clear for herself. Two, it’s that life could also unknowingly lead us to meet people and experience things that can change our perspectives for the better. It’s a film that teaches one how to heal, to hurt and be hurt, to be loved and to love, and to realize that life isn’t so bad if you hold on to the tiny speck of light urging you to face forward.
6. Turning Red dir. Domee Shi (2022)
Watch on Disney Plus PH
Recommended by: Xcye Xandre L. Madlangbayan
Set in Toronto in 2002, Chinese teen Meilin Lee struggles with an ancient family curse where the women turn into giant red pandas upon experiencing strong emotions. Very unfitting in modern suburbia, Mei tries to maintain a low profile with the help of her close friends, while slowly coming to terms with what she wants in her life and her relationship with her overprotective mother.
Turning Red has a lot of comedy that makes it one of the funniest Pixar movies, its animation became very dynamic and expressive to give it a charming aesthetic, and its main cast is just absolutely enjoyable to watch, thanks to the wonderful voice acting. Even with all that though, it sticks close to Pixar’s signature strong storytelling with its message of growing up, dealing with puberty, embracing every aspect of ourselves old and new — be they good or bad — and evolving parental love.
7. Moonlight dir. Barry Jenkins (2016)
Watch on Netflix PH
Recommended by: Quenso A. Tambalque
Moonlight is a 2016 American drama film written and directed by Barry Jenkins, based on Tarell Alvin McCraney’s unpublished semi-autobiographical play, In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue. The film is a poignant exploration of the complexities of identity, masculinity, and sexuality in the black community; it has received widespread critical acclaim for its raw emotional power, nuanced performances, and striking cinematography.
At its core, Moonlight tells the story of Chiron, a young black man growing up in Miami during the “War on Drugs” era. The film is divided into three chapters, each one focusing on a different stage in Chiron’s life: childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. In each chapter, we see Chiron grappling with the challenges of his environment, including poverty, violence, and homophobia, as well as his own internal struggles with his sexuality and his sense of self.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Moonlight is the way it captures the complexity and nuance of its characters, particularly Chiron. As he moves through each stage of his life, we see how his experiences shape him and how he struggles to reconcile the different parts of himself. Jenkins’ direction is masterful in its ability to convey a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, allowing the audience to feel deeply connected to Chiron and his journey.
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Moonlight is its exploration of the intersections of race, class, and sexuality. The film sheds light on the experiences of black men who are often overlooked or marginalized within their own communities, and it challenges stereotypes and assumptions about masculinity and sexuality. At the same time, it is a deeply personal and novel story, rooted in the experiences of its characters and their environment.
Moonlight is a breathtakingly beautiful and emotionally powerful film that explores important and timely themes with depth and nuance. Barry Jenkins has created a modern masterpiece that will stand the test of time, and it is sure to continue to inspire and move audiences for years to come.
8. The Princess Diaries dir. Garry Marshall (2001)
Watch on Disney Plus PH
Recommended by: Alfrancis Kiko B. Orejudos
The Princess Diaries is an absolute gem of a movie, directed by the late great Gary Marshall. This film will have you laughing, crying, and swooning all at the same time.
First off, let’s talk about the cast. Anne Hathaway, in her breakout role, is an absolute delight as Mia Thermopolis, the awkward teenager who discovers she’s a princess. Julie Andrews is, of course, regal and charming as the Queen of Genovia. And who could forget Hector Elizondo’s portrayal of Joe, the loyal and wise head of security?
The humor in this movie is spot-on, with plenty of witty one-liners and physical comedy to keep you entertained. And let’s not forget about the iconic makeover scene, which has become a staple of teen movies everywhere.
But beyond the humor and the romance, The Princess Diaries also has a heartwarming message about self-acceptance and embracing your true identity. It’s a message that’s just as relevant today as it was during its release in 2001.
9. Clueless dir. Amy Heckerling (1995)
Watch on HBO Go PH
Recommended by: Marky Miguel A. Baniqued
Clueless is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. This hilarious journey takes us back to the ’90s, a time of dial-up internet, cordless phones, and questionable fashion choices. Amy Heckerling’s parody of Jane Austen’s Emma revolves around Cher Horowitz, a wealthy high school student who is obsessed with fashion, popularity, and matchmaking. Along the way, she takes under her wing a new girl at school, Tai, and tries to turn her into a popular girl, while falling in love with her ex-stepbrother, Josh.
The characters in this film are as iconic as the film itself. Cher is a self-absorbed, ditzy blonde, more concerned with her hair than her grades. Tai is a lovable airhead who is just trying to fit in. Dionne, Cher’s best friend, is sassy and fierce, while Josh is the brooding intellectual with a heart of gold. These characters are so over-the-top that they become endearing, and you can’t help but root for them.
The humor in Clueless is what makes this film a classic. From the iconic fashion choices to the hilarious dialogue, every scene is guaranteed to make you laugh. The film is full of one-liners that have become part of pop culture. “As if!” and “Whatever!” are just two of the many phrases that have become synonymous with the ‘90s.
As if you need another reason to watch coming-of-age films, the genre is a perfect escape from reality, and you’ll be laughing for days. Don’t miss out on this iconic film genre that has captured the hearts of audiences for decades.
The Science Scholar would like to thank Celluloid for their contributions to this article.
