'Coming-of-age' film Example 1

Submarine (2010)
British
Director: Richard Ayoade
Starring: Craig Roberts, Yasmin Paige, Sally Hawkins, Noah Taylor & Paddy Considine.

Based around the life of Oliver Tate, the audience watch him grow from a somewhat shy teenager, to a young man who understands things more clearly. Ayoade has shown Oliver's growth through his strained relationship with his parents and his relationship with his girlfriend, Jordana. Ayoade has used many voice overs throughout the film, making it seem as though Oliver is talking directly to the audience about this period of his life.

Produced by Film4 and Warp films, it was a low budget film, which achieved much success. The film premiered at the 35th Toronto international film festival in September 2010. It achieved a positive reaction, particularly among younger audiences.

Notes on the film:

• Craig Roberts character, Oliver deals with many personal issues, such as the tension between his parents relationship and the problems with his own relationship with Jordana. This is popular in this genre of film, and problems like these are often seen in them to show the characters progression through such difficult times.
• Realistic situations-often in 'Coming-of-age' films.
• Often sad elements of truthfulness throughout the film in order to make it more realistic.
• Working class characters
• Teenagers-focused around other students as well.