However,Sixteen Candleswas John Hughes directorial debut.
Sixteen Candlesemphasizes how much Sam looked forward to her Sweet 16.
If Sam was actually having a sweet 16 party, it would have been planned months in advance.
Unfortunately,theseSixteen Candlesstorylines cause some interesting plot holes upon rewatch.
When she goes to pass the note to Randy, it falls on the floor.
Sam freaks out when she realizes Randy never got the note.
Custom image by Yailin Chacon
Sam clumsily dropped the note by Randys desk instead of on it.
Fortunately, both inciting incidents kick off great stories, so its easy to overlook the plot holes.
Additionally, it was inappropriate in the context ofSixteen Candles.
In John Hughes’s directorial debut, Molly Ringwald stars as Samantha Baker, a high school student in suburban Chicago whose sixteenth birthday is marred when her whole family forgets to celebrate the occasion due to her older sister’s wedding. Navigating a school dance and a seemingly unrequited crush on an older boy, Sam’s sweet sixteen becomes a day to remember. Anthony Michael Hall, Michael Schoeffling, and Gedde Watanabe also star.
On one hand, women and girls can become comfortable around each other through locker rooms and open showers.
Sadly, this is yet another example of the film being a product of its time period.
The harassment doesnt just come from the boys.
For many, this reality came when watching it for the first time 40 years ago.
The exaggerated fake accents and stereotypical jokes were not uncommon and can still be found in modern projects.
For the 40th anniversary, Watanabe gavePeoplehis take on the character he portrayed.
Watanabe also pointed out thatSixteen Candlesplayed against stereotypes because Dong got the girl.
The films first scene establishes Sam as the odd one out in the family.
When viewers meet Ginny, she is also portrayed as a joke.
She isnt the smartest and is overly concerned about her looks.
Yet, she takes the time to comfort Sam and wants to be there for her.
She just doesnt know how to.
When Ted finally realizes that Sam wants Jake and not him, he decides to help the popular kid.
Conversely, Jake is kind to him and respectful of Samantha, making them lovable and a great duo.
Yet, they do some deplorable things inSixteen Candles.
They demean and objectify women and Jake pursues Sam while hes still with Caroline.
Their worst offense by far is their treatment of Jake’s girlfriend, Caroline.
However, Ted does.
They briefly wake the disoriented Caroline, lie to her, and novice driver Ted takes off with her.
Instead, shes put in vulnerable positions where she could be, and was, taken advantage of.
Still, she was framed as a villain early on.
This is understandable given shes a sophomore and hes a senior.
Yet, he becomes enamored with her almost immediately, despite having a girlfriend.
Jake is stuck in a relationship he isnt happy in and doesnt know how to end it.
Sams crush on him interested him and allowed him to dream of something new.
Jake even tells Ted he wants a serious girlfriend, and he thinks that can be Sam.
The same goes for Sam, who is only attracted to Jake and his being a senior.
Fortunately, theSixteen Candlesending shows them getting to know each other, which could lead to real feelings.
There are a number of moments of offensive language that simply wouldn’t fly with modern audiences.
I kept thinking about that scene.
Anthony Michael Hall, Michael Schoeffling, and Gedde Watanabe also star.
