By Poppy Heath, Second Year, Film & Television
Turning 20 and leaving adolescence is a defining time in many people’s lives and it would be naive to think that film does not play a crucial role in shaping us. I have curated a short list of films that have impacted me and I think that everyone should watch before they turn 20.
Frances Ha (2012)
This film follows Frances (Greta Gerwig), a woman in her 20s navigating her tumultuous life in New York City. She lacks direction and hops between apartments after her closest friend, Sophie (Mickey Sumner), moves out of their shared home and she can no longer afford it. Frances is a dancer, working as an apprentice at a dance company and doing odd jobs to pay rent. She acts spontaneously, follows her intuition, and most importantly stays true to herself. It’s a film about friendship but also about finding oneself and growing up and into a person that is shaped positively by their experiences rather than conforming to expectations. I love this film for its ability to encapsulate the ebbs and flows of life with a comfortingly positive outlook without being an over-sensationalised success story.
12 Angry Men (1957)
12 Angry men is a courtroom drama that takes place almost entirely inside a jury deliberation room. Twelve jurors must decide the fate of a teenage boy on trial for murdering his father. They all vote guilty except one. The film then unfolds to reveal how prejudice, impatience, and social biases have influenced much of the men’s decision-making. It’s definitely a classic but proves that great films don’t need to be a spectacle. Void of any over the top editing or effects, it’s a testament to the power of a great script and great performances. It’s also a lesson in critical thinking - something that is pertinent now more than ever.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a comedy about the titular high school student (Matthew Broderick) who decides to skip school and make the most of a perfect spring day in Chicago. He fakes being sick and convinces two friends to join him for an adventure around the city. I watched this film for the first time with my dad when I’d taken a day off school and it was instantly a film I'd never forget, so this might be a slightly biased inclusion, but it’s great nonetheless. It’s a classic by the king of feel-good films, John Hughes, that celebrates youth and spontaneity. A must-watch for all teenagers.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
My next pick is Little Miss Sunshine, another feel-good favourite of mine. The comedy-drama hinges around a dysfunctional family road trip travelling across America, so that their young daughter, Olive (Abigail Breslin), can compete in a beauty pageant. Each character represents a different struggle and a different stage of life, and the film explores the reality of family relationships. It promotes individuality and authenticity and once again challenges society’s obsession with success. It is a heart-warming watch no matter what age you are, but it is particularly touching as a young adult in a transitional stage of life.
Paris is Burning (1990)
Paris is Burning is a documentary chronicling the ball culture of New York City in the 80s, focusing on the Black and Latino LGBTQ+ communities who created the vibrant competitions. It follows members of different ‘houses’ who compete in runway-style contests. It explores the lives of the performers, as well as the performances themselves, as many of them face poverty, racism, homophobia, and the threat of HIV/AIDS. We see how the ballroom scene creates a safe space for expression as well as a community and identity for many participants. It is such an incredibly touching film. I also think it's a very important film to watch at this age for understanding the roots of this massively influential culture.
Epigram Film and TV
If you have time to watch these before you turn 20, I implore that you do. These films have impacted my life in however small a way and I hope that they will do the same for you.
Featured Image: Epigram / Romina Trevino
What film has impacted your life the most?
