The Breakfast Club Movie Guide | Peer Pressure | Stereotypes | Clique (R – 1985)

The Breakfast Club Movie Guide | Peer Pressure | Stereotypes | Clique (R – 1985) invites students to explore the complex dynamics of high school life. Analyze the societal pressures and stereotypes each character faces, and debate about the factors that shape their experiences. Identify how they develop empathy towards one another. Reflect on the movie’s ending and draw conclusions about whether or not the characters will remain friends. Then, use your prediction to draw conclusions about your perspective on society. Identify which character you’d most likely befriend and justifying your choice. Finally, consider the relevance of the labels used in 1985 to describe the characters and discuss if those labels reflect today’s labels.

Special Warning:

• Before showing “The Breakfast Club” in class, please be aware that the film contains profanity and offensive language. While these elements may be uncomfortable for some, it’s important to note that the uncensored dialogue contributes significantly to the authenticity of the characters and their high school experiences.
• The raw and unfiltered language used by the characters provides a realistic portrayal of the frustrations, pressures, and struggles they face. This uncensored dialogue can serve as a powerful catalyst for meaningful discussions and debates about the high school experience, societal norms, stereotypes, and other relevant themes.
• It is recommend that you preview the film to ensure it aligns with your school’s policies and the comfort level of your students. It may also be beneficial to send a note home to parents or guardians informing them of the film’s content and the educational objectives of showing it in class. The goal is to create a safe and respectful learning environment where students can explore and discuss the themes of the film in a thoughtful and mature manner.
• IMDb’s parents guide for The Breakfast Club