Review of Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) by Tatsuhito K — 18 Feb 2016

Ferris Bueller's Day Off is simply a classic, and probably my favorite John Hughes film. It's actually amazing that I enjoy this film, because high school was not a happy-go-lucky time for me, but the brilliance of this movie is that the carefree Ferris really isn't the most important character in the film.

It's the story of Cameron that really makes this movie shine, and made it an emotional touch-point for a generation. He is the change character, and the one that many people (like me) can connect with so closely.

While I find Ferris' antics silly, and occasionally hilarious, the movie has heart because we see Cameron learning how to grow up. The other character who experiences growth in the film is Jeanie, and her story is also handled brilliantly.

I like how Charlie Sheen actually teaches her the pointless nature of jealousy, and simultaneously teaches us as well. I could go on for hours just detailing all the things I love about this movie, because every single scene works for me.

It has funny parts, it has dramatic parts, and it has emotional parts. The total package is a movie that I can watch any time and it actually makes me nostalgic for those days. I wonder if the movie would be as engaging for teens of this generation, or if so many of us connect with it merely because it was such a product of the 1980s.

I'd recommend it to anyone because I love the movie, but I have a feeling only those of us who saw it when we were in high school will form that same emotional connection.