Coming of Age Movies — 3 Things All Great Rites of Passage Movies Have

Summary

This video explores the genre of coming-of-age stories, or 'Rites of Passage,' as outlined by Blake Snyder. It delves into five types of passages—adolescent, midlife, separation, addiction, and death—highlighting the universal challenges faced throughout life. Each narrative typically presents a life problem, a misguided attempt to solve it, and a resolution found through acceptance. By examining notable films like 'Birdman,' '8th Grade,' and 'Ordinary People,' the video illustrates how characters grow through trials, offering valuable lessons on personal transformation and resilience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Coming of age stories resonate universally across cultures and life stages.
• 😀 Blake Snyder categorizes 'rites of passage' into five types: midlife, separation, adolescent, addiction, and death passages.
• 😀 Each rite of passage involves a life problem, a wrong approach to solving it, and a solution found through acceptance.
• 😀 The protagonist's journey often begins with confronting a significant life issue, like divorce or addiction.
• 😀 The 'wrong way' to handle these problems typically involves avoidance and distractions.
• 😀 Characters in these stories must navigate their struggles while gaining sympathy from the audience.
• 😀 The resolution usually comes from internal change rather than external circumstances.
• 😀 Films like 'Birdman' and '8th Grade' illustrate characters facing existential crises and their pursuit of self-acceptance.
• 😀 Acceptance often serves as a pivotal moment leading to character transformation and the climax of the story.
• 😀 Rites of passage narratives not only entertain but also offer valuable lessons on navigating life's challenges.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video transcript?

The video focuses on coming-of-age stories, referred to as 'Rites of Passage,' and explores their universal themes and storytelling elements.

What are the five types of rites of passage identified by Blake Snyder?

The five types are midlife passage, separation passage (divorce), adolescent passage, addiction passage, and death passage.

How do these stories relate to universal human experiences?

These stories resonate universally as they reflect the common obstacles everyone faces throughout life, regardless of background or circumstances.

What are the three main components that each subtype shares?

Each subtype includes a life problem, the wrong way to handle it, and a solution found only through acceptance.

Why is the protagonist's journey crucial in these stories?

The protagonist's journey is essential as it often involves grappling with personal truths and undergoing growth, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves.

What role does acceptance play in the resolution of these narratives?

Acceptance serves as a key resolution point, where characters realize they must change internally rather than trying to alter their external circumstances.

Can you give an example of a film that combines multiple rites of passage themes?

The film 'Thirteen' combines themes of adolescence and addiction as it explores the challenges faced by its young characters.

How does the video suggest screenwriters should develop sympathy for their protagonists?

Screenwriters should provide compelling reasons for the audience to empathize with protagonists, even if their struggles seem trivial compared to more significant issues.

What does the video imply about the nature of human problems in storytelling?

The video implies that human problems often stem from internal struggles rather than external factors, emphasizing the need for characters to confront their own issues.

How does the video conclude regarding the impact of rites of passage stories on audiences?

The video concludes that rites of passage stories not only entertain but also serve as guidebooks for navigating life's transitions and challenges.