Some Kind of Wonderful

Some Kind of Wonderful

Year: 1987

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Howard Deutch

DramaRomance

Keith, a high school student struggling with his place, finds himself caught between his loyal best friend Watts and the captivating Amanda Jones. As he navigates the complexities of first love, he experiences the bittersweet moments of adolescence, learning about friendship, longing, and the challenges of finding where he truly belongs. The film portrays the tender and often awkward realities of teenage life and the pursuit of connection.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Some Kind of Wonderful (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

The 1980s was a decade characterized by cultural shifts and the rise of youth-driven narratives in film and music. This time period saw a growing emphasis on individuality and self-expression, which resonated through the lives of teenagers navigating their identities and relationships, as depicted in this movie.

Location

San Fernando Valley

San Fernando Valley is a vibrant and diverse area in Los Angeles, known for its suburban charm and cultural significance. The public high school setting serves as a social microcosm where the typical struggles of adolescence, such as love, friendship, and ambition, play out against a backdrop of teenage drama and social hierarchies.

🏫 High School 🌆 Urban Setting

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:41

Main Characters – Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)

Meet the key characters of Some Kind of Wonderful (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Keith Nelson (Eric Stoltz)

Keith is a determined and creative teenager grappling with his romantic pursuits and familial expectations. His character displays resilience as he navigates love, friendship, and personal growth, ultimately choosing his own path amidst societal pressures.

🔧 Mechanic 🖌️ Artist ❤️ Romantic

Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson)

Watts is a quirky and insightful drummer, serving as Keith's best friend and confidante. She struggles with her unexpressed feelings for him, showcasing her dynamic personality and depth as she supports him while concealing her true emotions.

🥁 Drummer 💪 Strong-willed 😓 Heartbroken

Amanda Jones

Amanda is the popular girl trapped in a controlling relationship, grappling with her own insecurities and societal expectations. Beneath her glamorous facade lies a vulnerable young woman, seeking genuine connection and freedom from her past.

👸 Queen Bee 😢 Insecure 🔒 Restricted

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:41

Major Themes – Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)

Explore the central themes of Some Kind of Wonderful (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Unreciprocated Love

The theme of unreciprocated love permeates the story as Keith's attraction to Amanda is juxtaposed with Watts' concealed feelings for him. This emotional complexity illustrates the challenges of teenage romance, highlighting the pain and confusion of desire amidst friendship.

🎨 Self-Discovery

Self-discovery plays a crucial role as Keith wrestles with his passion for art against familial expectations. This theme emphasizes the importance of following one’s own path and making choices that align with personal dreams, rather than succumbing to external pressures.

🤝 Friendship

Friendship is at the heart of the narrative, particularly the bond between Keith and Watts. Their relationship underscores the notion that true friends support each other through life's ups and downs, emphasizing loyalty and understanding even in the face of romantic complications.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:41

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Awkward, Hopeful High School Love Triangles like Some Kind of Wonderful

Stories where friendship and first love intertwine in tender, awkward adolescence.If you enjoyed the romantic tension and heartfelt choices in Some Kind of Wonderful, explore other movies like it. This section features similar romance stories with teenage love triangles, loyal friendships, and hopeful, uplifting endings that capture the tender chaos of first love.

coming of agehopefultenderawkwardnostalgicpassionateconflictedfirst love

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow a protagonist navigating the complexities of a romantic choice, often between a familiar friend and an idealized love interest. The journey involves social anxieties, moments of awkwardness, and a climactic realization that leads to a clear, emotionally satisfying decision about who they truly belong with.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a core structure of a love triangle set against the backdrop of high school, balanced by a hopeful tone and a steady, character-driven pace. They evoke a specific mix of nostalgic tenderness, passionate longing, and the ultimate relief of a happy romantic resolution.

Tender 80s Teenage Self-Discovery Movies like Some Kind of Wonderful

Nostalgic stories of adolescents finding their place amid social anxieties and first love.For fans of the nostalgic, tender vibe of Some Kind of Wonderful, this section highlights similar coming-of-age stories from the 80s. Discover movies that share a focus on teenage friendship, artistic passion, class struggles, and the hopeful journey of finding where you belong.

nostalgiccoming of agehopefulearnestawkwardpassionatetenderretro

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist, often an outsider or artist, struggling against social hierarchies and parental expectations. Through a series of bittersweet experiences—parties, confrontations, intimate conversations—they learn powerful lessons about friendship, courage, and love, culminating in a personal victory that solidifies their identity.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their distinctive era-specific atmosphere, their medium-intensity emotional weight, and their balanced focus on both romantic longing and the deeper quest for self-acceptance. They share a hopeful, steady, and straightforward approach to storytelling that feels quintessentially of their time.

Unlock the Full Story of Some Kind of Wonderful

Don't stop at just watching — explore Some Kind of Wonderful in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Some Kind of Wonderful is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Some Kind of Wonderful Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Some Kind of Wonderful, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Some Kind of Wonderful Summary

Some Kind of Wonderful Timeline

Track the full timeline of Some Kind of Wonderful with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Some Kind of Wonderful Timeline

Some Kind of Wonderful Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Some Kind of Wonderful that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Some Kind of Wonderful Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Some Kind of Wonderful

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Some Kind of Wonderful: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Some Kind of Wonderful

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