Dan Trachtenberg Mininglast release in Predator The franchise has taken the world by storm. A transformation of a franchise that has seemed dated for decades, the film about a ferocious and skilled Comanche warrior defending his people from the mysterious Predator is a coming-of-age film far from the genre’s usual tropes.
The cinema has seen some unconventional coming-of-age films and the world is a better place because of it. Or because they belong to a different genre, not usually found in these stories, for example Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verseor because they give the genre an extraordinarily mature flavor, such as Rawthese films are usually among the most impressive coming-of-age stories.
The iconic but ill-fated Queen of France - Marie Antoinette (2006)
Coming-of-age biopics are not particularly common, but Sofia Coppola proved it was a mistake with her film Marie Antoinetteabout the French royal family of the same name (plays Kirsten Dunstlisten)) from her marriage at age 15 to her reign as queen at age 19.
More than a true retelling of the life of Marie Antoinette, the film is a parable of sorts in a modern style, full of anachronisms and classical music followed by post-punk. It’s a refreshingly unique twist on not only the historical biopic genre, but coming of age.
The title says it all - “Super Dark Times” (2017)
When viewers think of the coming of age genre, the dark tone and suspenseful storytelling are probably not the first things that come to mind, but Super dark times uses them to tell the story of a pair of teenage best friends who fall into a rabbit hole of paranoia and violence after a horrific accident.
A film destined to become a modern cult classic, it takes time to build its story, but it’s well worth it thanks to the great cinematography. Kevin Phillipsfantastic direction and a gripping third act.
A film that craves controversy - “Raw Material” (2016)
Julia Ducourneau innovative horror film Raw follows Justine (Garance Marillier), a teenager from a family where all veterinarians and vegetarians. But when she is forced to eat raw meat, Justine’s true self begins to take shape.
Nobody expected a movie about a vegetarian turned cannibal to be a tale of adolescence, but Raw somehow manages to be that and more. While it’s hard to digest, Ducourtnot’s use of body horror to explore femininity and pleasure is a spectacle that must be seen to be believed.
Swedish horror at its finest - “Let the Right One In” (2008)
In this Swedish fantasy horror drama, a lone twelve-year-old Oscar (Kore Hedebrant) is friends with his next door neighbor Eli (Lina Leandersson), a mysterious girl whose arrival coincides with a series of equally mysterious deaths, which convinces Oscar that his new friend is a vampire.
Modern vampire films don’t have a great reputation, but Let the right one in might just be the best. Poetic, deep, sympathetic and surprisingly sweet, the film explores the importance of love in growing up with a huge heart and personality.
Much more than a gimmick, a unique way to film - Boyhood (2014)
Richard Linklater adolescence, one of his most famous films, tells the story of a divorced couple trying to raise their young son and chronicles their relationship over the course of twelve years. Turn? The film was also in production for twelve years, so the audience will see a young Mason (Ellar Coltrane) grow before our eyes.
adolescence however, it is more than just a promotional film. It’s a character-driven coming-of-age story that focuses on the most human aspects of growing up, and feels particularly sincere thanks to the fact that the characters actually get older as they progress.
Surrealistic critique of society and the grotesque - “Daisies” (1966)
This Czech surreal masterpiece is extremely difficult to describe, and equally difficult to recommend to friends. It’s a deliberately grotesque story about two teenage girls who decide to act as spoiled as they think the world is by embarking on a series of devastating pranks. It’s weird and unsettling, and it makes his message all the more powerful.
chamomile has the courage to criticize modern society for what it does, and does not treat it as perverted and repulsive. It is also the most bizarre celebration of female femininity and the absurdity of growing up.
More Than One Wears the Mask - Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Spider-Man is the perfect character for a unique coming-of-age genre exploration, as fan favorites prove. No way home as well as Spiderman 1 and 2. But, perhaps, no cinematic adaptation of the character is as popular as In spider versewhere teenager Miles Morales tries to combine the life of a high school student and a superhero.
An uplifting and inspiring love letter to the Spider-Man character, and an inspiring coming-of-age story of courage and heroism. In spider verse undoubtedly Sony Animation’s best film to date and worthy of its popularity.
One of the most disturbing films about World War II is Come and See (1985).
Not only horror movies can scare and scare; this Soviet film about a boy who joins the resistance fighters against German troops proves it.
In every sense of the word, Come and seereal anti-war movie, manages to portray the war as a real nightmare. The most difficult thing is that the audience sees this hellish landscape through the initially innocent eyes of a child played by Alexey Kravchenko in one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking acting performances ever to appear on the screen.
Loosely Connected Memoirs of Tarkovsky - The Mirror (1975)
A semi-autobiographical masterpiece by the greatest poet of cinema, Andrei Tarkovsky Mirror it is a surreal and loosely structured film about a man who remembers his past on his deathbed.
Mirror it’s slow burning and hard to follow, but it’s worth the effort. It is so unique that it is difficult to attribute it to any particular genre. However, there are enough elements of growing up in it to be considered one of the most beautiful, touching and mysterious stories about growing up, aging and the power of memories created during these processes.
Coming of Age with a Del Toro Touch - “Pan’s Labyrinth” (2006)
One of the best Mexican films of the century at the moment. Guillermo del Toro Pan’s Labyrinth dark tale of OpheliaIvana Baquero), a 10-year-old girl living with her tyrannical stepfather and pregnant mother who feels lonely until she explores a collapsing labyrinth guarded by a mysterious faun.
Full of breathtaking visuals, phenomenal acting and the charm of del Toro’s unique directorial style, the film is a thrilling celebration of childlike innocence over the senselessness of violence and war.
Source: Collider
