The Coming of Age Genre

In order best portray our film opening, I decided to do research on the genre: coming of age.

Coming-of-Age

The coming of age genre is defined by a child's transition from childhood to adulthood. They usually depict a child begin to lose their innocence. Our opening will follow this norm, as our currently unnamed protagonist will be out past curfew and think of disobeying her mothers rules.

Content

Coming of age films are aimed at teenagers, as they follow part of the transition from childhood to adulthood. 

Coming of age films are usually follow the same storyline. The protagonist begins as immature, and over the course of the film, the viewer watches them grow up. There is typically a moment that marks the loss of the child innocence. This moment is the spark that lights the flame of their personal growth. 

These films typically include dramatic elements mixed in with some comedy and romance (usually the protagonists first romantic experience). Their purpose is to tell a story everyone can relate to, as we all went through similar experiences as we aged.

Production Techniques

Coming of age films typically have dramatic elements mixed with music or comedy. They are meant to follow slice-of-life narratives, telling personal stories. They are paced to feel like real life including major changes in the life of the protagonist. 

Marketing

Coming of age films are marketed toward teenagers. This is due to them following the transition of immaturity to experience. Teenagers find themselves relating most with the content which is why it is targeted toward them. 

Their marketing usually consists of television trailers. These trailers will allude to the main event the protagonist will face that sparks their transition. They are meant to catch teenagers interest as they may relate to a similar experience. 

Samples

Little Women

Little Women was originally a novel. It follows the four March sisters on their path to womanhood. It follows their growth in the world and how they find love. This film fits in all the key components to a coming of age movie as it has drama mixed in with romantic elements. 

The Wizard of Oz

In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy goes on a journey with three new friends to see the wizard.

The Breakfast Club

In The Breakfast Club, five high schoolers that are all from different social groups have Saturday detention together. This movie shows how everyone is different while following the key components to a coming of age film. 

Resources: 

https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/coming-of-age-films/ 

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-a-coming-of-age-movie-definition/ 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Women#:~:text=The%20story%20follows%20the%20lives,autobiographical%20or%20semi%2Dautobiographical%20novel.