Sixteen Candles (1984)

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A teenage girl deals with her parents forgetting her birthday and a crush on her high school's heartthrob.

Introduction
"Sixteen Candles" is an American coming-of-age comedy movie from 1984, written and directed by John Hughes. The movie stars Molly Ringwald as Samantha and tells the story of her sixteenth birthday that is overshadowed by her older sis's upcoming wedding event.

Plot
The film opens with Samantha "Sam" Baker waking up on her sixteenth birthday, anticipating to feel various, only to be somewhat dissatisfied when she doesn't. Her whole household completely forgets about her birthday due to the distractions of her older sister, Ginny's wedding, causing Sam feeling neglected. Further, Sam harbors a crush on Jake Ryan, the senior heartthrob, however thinks he is escape of her league. She seeks solace in her good friend Randy, who listens to her problems.

Romantic Developments
Sam's day turns more made complex when a geek called Farmer Ted approaches her with a bet to prove that he can win Sam's heart. Meanwhile, Jake finds a note Sam discussed her crush on him, igniting his interest. In a series of comic and uncomfortable events that include a school dance and parties, Farmer Ted makes his moves towards Sam while Jake deals with his mentally unstable sweetheart, Caroline.

Climax
Farmer Ted ends up being stranded with an inebriated Caroline, while Jake, on hearing from Ted that Sam is interested in him, chooses to find her. He fulfills Sam at the church where her sister's wedding was held and, in a romantic gesture, leans throughout his Porsche to want her a delighted birthday. Later on, Jake takes Sam to his home, where in his dining room, over a birthday cake, he tells Sam to make a wish. She states that her dream has actually currently come true, and they share an enthusiastic kiss, concluding the film.

Themes and Reception
"Sixteen Candles" reasonably depicts the teenage experience, encapsulating the angst, dreams, self-doubt, and romantic fantasies common among teenagers. The film's intelligence and level of sensitivity towards its young characters' feelings, combined with its humor and tender minutes, made it popular among audiences, leading the film to end up being a sleeper hit.

"Sixteen Candles" marked the start of John Hughes' successful career as a director renowned for his deal with teen-centric films in the 1980s. It likewise catapulted Molly Ringwald to stardom and developed her as the conclusive teen icon of the age. However, the movie has actually also been criticized for its stereotypes and racially insensitive representation of the character Long Duk Dong.

Conclusion
"Sixteen Candles" is an essential 80s film that has actually made a long lasting impression on teenager films and popular culture. Regardless of its defects, the film's exploration of teenage disappointments and dreams, symbolised by the forgotten sixteenth birthday, remains an engaging experience. Bolstered by Ringwald's strong performance and Hughes' memorable writing and instructions, "Sixteen Candles" continues to resonate with audiences and is often considered as a traditional in the comedy-drama genre.

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