There is no denying that The Breakfast Club is one of those timeless movies that even teenagers of today relate to because of its subject matter. To this day you find teen movies that have tried to mimic its style. But at the end of the day there can be only one Breakfast Club.
From its musical score, to its subject matter, and to its characters it has the ingredients to make a memorable movie. Right now I'm going to talk about one character in particular that some folks tend to look upon fondly. John Bender.
He's the usual teen movie archetype that you'd see commonly in teen movies. The Bad Boy. A troubled but handsome teen that comes from a broken home and is seen as the social pariah in high school. Then develops a more gentle side to him and we all know where this cliche goes. This isn't that kind of Bad Boy.
If it weren't for his interactions with Karl the school janitor I'd tell you the guy has zero redeeming qualities. Come to think of it maybe he doesn't.
Ever since detention began he never stops being an asshole. Say what you will about Andy but you have to give the guy props in being the only one to not only stand up to him but even put him in his place in a scuffle.
Eventhough Andy got detention for bullying a kid, an act that is looked upon unfavorably in this day and age, at least he deeply regretted the act.
John Bender on the other hand came in an asshole and came out an asshole. Lets not even get into his treatment towards Claire.
You have to ask yourself. Why is she attracted to him? Its not like she has to set her standards low. She could have gotten a guy better than Bender. When the movie was kinda teasing Brian and Claire a part of me kinda wanted those two together since Brian is a better choice than Bender. It would be a miracle if Claire and Bender last a day as a couple. And lets not forget that he never apologized for the crap he put her through. And even if they do last as a couple can you say abusive relationship?
He freaking made her cry. John Bender's the kind of guy you just want to see someone rough him up a few times. Hell I knew a guy like that in high school. I didn't think he was cool, I wanted to keep my distance from him. Years later when I was in college I encountered him again, he actually looked less of the creep I remembered and even went as far as to apologize for what an ass he was. I was like"Dude all thats in the past"
It got me to thinking maybe this topic was John Hughes intention. Sure the dude came from a broken home.
I think Linkara said it best. Its not always just the backstory that makes a character sympathetic. Its the characters actions. And judging from Bender's actions not only is he uncharming but he has the least redeeming qualities of the Breakfast Club crew. Lets not forget if it wasn't for him we wouldn't even go as far as to root for the principle in the movie. Also underneath that Bad Boy act the guy is really a wuss.
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