The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club

Year: 1985

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: John Hughes

Drama

Five high school students, each representing a distinct social group—the brain, athlete, rebel, princess, and basket case—are forced to spend a Saturday in detention together. Initially clashing due to their preconceived notions about one another, they gradually begin to share their vulnerabilities and frustrations. Through honest conversations and unexpected connections, they challenge the labels that confine them and discover shared humanity. The experience leads to a surprising and profound understanding of themselves and the pressures they face.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Breakfast Club (1985)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Breakfast Club (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

March 24, 1984

The movie takes place during the mid-1980s, a time characterized by significant cultural shifts and evolving youth identities. This era saw the rise of various social movements and changes in societal attitudes towards adolescence. The themes of individuality and peer pressure depicted in the film resonate with the challenges faced by teenagers during this transformative time.

Location

Shermer High School, Shermer, Illinois

Shermer High School is a fictional institution that serves as the primary setting for the film. It represents a typical American high school environment, where students from various backgrounds converge. Known for various social cliques, it is a microcosm of teenage life, illustrating the struggles and camaraderie among adolescents.

🏫 School 🌆 Town

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 at 08:44

Main Characters – The Breakfast Club (1985)

Meet the key characters of The Breakfast Club (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

John Bender (Judd Nelson)

John Bender is portrayed as the rebellious 'Criminal' of the group, often using his tough exterior to mask deep-seated emotional scars from an abusive home life. His confrontational nature serves as both a source of conflict and a catalyst for growth among the group. Through his interactions, he reveals vulnerabilities that challenge the stereotypes he embodies.

😈 Troublemaker ❤️ Vulnerable

Claire Standish (Molly Ringwald)

Claire Standish is the 'Princess' whose seemingly perfect life conceals familial tensions and her struggles with self-identity. She evolves from being a seemingly superficial character to a natural leader, showcasing kindness and understanding that bring the group together. Her blossoming relationship with Bender adds emotional depth to her character.

👑 Queen Bee 🌟 Leader

Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson, dubbed 'The Brain,' faces immense pressure from academic expectations, which culminates in a dark moment of crisis. His journey in the film illustrates the toll that high expectations can take on young minds. By sharing his story, he gains confidence and a voice, impacting the group's dynamic significantly.

📚 Overachiever 😢 Sensitive

Andy Clark (Emilio Estevez)

Andy Clark is the 'Athlete' struggling with the pressures of conformity to his father's expectations. His character reveals the often-hidden emotional struggles of student athletes. Throughout the film, he learns to assert his individuality, particularly through his connection with Allison, highlighting the importance of true friendship.

🏆 Jock 💔 Conformist

Allison Reynolds (Ally Sheedy)

Allison Reynolds represents 'The Basket Case,' often withdrawn but offering sharp insights into the group's dynamics. Initially appearing eccentric and antisocial, her character undergoes a transformation that reveals her depth and need for acceptance. Her romance with Andy acts as a catalyst for her self-discovery.

🌈 Eccentric 💞 Transformative

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 at 08:44

Major Themes – The Breakfast Club (1985)

Explore the central themes of The Breakfast Club (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Connection

The theme of connection permeates the film as the characters, initially divided by social labels, discover their common struggles and fears. Their shared experiences during detention foster a bond that transcends their stereotypes. This evolution highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in bridging social divides.

🧠 Identity

Identity is a central theme as each character grapples with how they are perceived by peers and themselves. The film explores the inner turmoil of the characters as they confront the expectations imposed by parents and society. By the end, they begin to redefine their identities beyond superficial labels.

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 at 08:44

Unlock the Full Story of The Breakfast Club

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Breakfast Club 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 The Breakfast Club is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Breakfast Club Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Breakfast Club, 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.

The Breakfast Club Summary

The Breakfast Club Timeline

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

The Breakfast Club Timeline

More About The Breakfast Club

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Breakfast Club: 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 The Breakfast Club

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