Watch ’em grow

MANILA, Philippines - Growing up  and facing the challenges that go with it  is a favorite movie theme of many. Watching coming-of-age films somehow creates a certain bond between the main character and the televiewer. Somehow, the viewer can relate to what is happening in the movie, as it shows the realities of growing up. Here are some must-see films about the subject matter:

Boyhood. The movie follows the life of a six-year-old boy up to his teenage years. It clearly shows the key stages of his life, the good and the bad, as he is growing up. By the end of the movie, viewers feel as if they know him very well.

Now and Then. Viewers are taken on a flashback to the wonderful friendship of four girls who are completely different but get along just fine. After time passes by and after living separate lives, they are once again brought back together. It is always nice to see how movie characters grow up and have an evident resemblance to their younger versions.  

Stand By Me. The 1986 film follows the friendship and adventure of four boys, who go on a mission to find a missing boy’s dead body. As this progresses, characters also deal with their own problems which also affect them when they grow up. A side note: Who could ever forget the theme song of the movie? Classic one.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 1 and 2. The story begins with a group of friends trying on a pair of pants that coincidentally fits them all. Since then, they would pass it around among themselves, wear it and tell their stories. Viewers can see how the characters’ experiences have made them grow as individuals. The sequel has explored this aspect even more. It’s a nice movie to watch with friends.   

Twilight Saga. If one observes well, apart from the romantic theme of the movie, the film also shows how Bella and Edward start out as a young couple without a care up to the time when they maturely assume grown-up responsibilities. Well, they may be forever young-looking, but they definitely mature inside.

My Girl 1 and 2. It’s a cute movie about an adventurous girl named Vada. Next to his dad, as the most important person in her life, is best friend Thomas J. Together, she and Thomas explore the exciting life of being kids. The sequel, on the other hand, shows a more confident and grown-up Vada, who bravely takes on a journey into knowing herself more. 

My Dog Skip. The film is about the touching life story of a dog named Skip. It all begins when Skip, a puppy then, is given to a boy named Willie. They become best friends and grow up together, until such time when they have to go on separate ways — and only their memory of each other remains. It’s a sure tear-jerker.

Marley and Me. Another heart-warming movie about a dog and its owner, Marley and Me follows the story of a couple who decides to get a dog as a companion. What happens next is a series of surprises, frustrations, laughter and tears.

St. Elmo’s Fire. The movie is about a group of friends, who are new university graduates. Together, they go through the ups and downs of entering adulthood — from responsibilities, priorities, reaching for their dreams to learning to let go.

Maleficent. The film based on the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty with a little bit of spice and an interesting ending, it shows how a sweet girl (fairy) grows into a bitter woman who seeks revenge. A lesson from the film: There are always two sides to a story.