20 of Our Favorite Coming of Age Movies (Part I)

We're looking forward to The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I've heard nothing about good things about both the novel and film -- and the blogs I follow, including Film Actually, have been praising this movie. Once we shrug off some lingering prejudice against Logan Lerman for his role in the disappointing adaptation of The Lightning Thief -- I hear he's actually a very good actor -- and stop expecting Ezra Miller to come out with a crossbow and a menacing expression, I'm sure we'll enjoy the film. :-)

On this note, I've compiled a list of 20 of our favorite coming of age movies. In no particular order:

Film Review: Pariah

 
Year Released: 2011

Director: Dee Rees

Screenplay by: Dee Rees

Rating: (4.5/5 Stars)

Pariah opens at a nightclub that caters to lesbians; we hear raunchy music and see a particularly limber pole dancer flaunting her talent. After glimpsing this scene, the youth and innocence of the 17-year-old protagonist Alike (Adepero Oduye)  and her best friend Laura (Pernell Walker) come as a bit of a surprise.

I immediately warmed up to these two young women. Alike is exceptionally bright and creative. She is somewhat shy and reserved but has a smile that could light up a room. Laura is a bit edgy and boisterous. She works hard to make ends meet and pass the GED after being abandoned by her mother.

Our first glimpse of Alike is memorable. Instead of a camera zooming in on her, we see a tight shot of her back and face. This sets the tone for the movie. It's very intimate and real. I found myself feeling as if I were in Alike's skin, and when she was hurting, I had knots in my stomach.