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

Coming of Age Movies Explained - Breaking down the elements in these rites of passage movies and how they cover a spectrum of universal themes and obstacles in life.
What is a Coming of Age Movie? ►► bit.ly/kg-ca
StudioBinder Blog ►► bit.ly/sb-bl
Save the Cat Resources:
Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies ►► bit.ly/sc-gm
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Coming of Age Movies
00:49 - Save the Cat Goes to the Movies Genres
01:31 - Elements of the Rites of Passage Stories
04:08 - Chapter 1: Life Problem
07:48 - Chapter 2: The Wrong Way
11:00 - Chapter 3: Acceptance
15:24 - Takeaways
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COMING OF AGE MOVIES EXPLAINED
When we think of great coming of age movies, we often think of teenagers entering adulthood. But this ignores many of the obstacles we experience after that. In his book, “Save the Cat Goes to the Movies,” author Blake Snyder lays down the three main elements of this Rites of Passage subgenre. In this video, we will investigate these underrated coming of age movies, the five types that cover a spectrum of life obstacles, and how they work in a spectrum of stories.
TYPES OF COMING OF AGE MOVIES
Snyder posits that there are five categories that make up his Rites of Passage subgenre: Adolescence, Addiction, Mid-Life, Separation, and Death. In each case, characters enter into situations that force them to change, to accept themselves as they are, and to show us how we might also navigate such troublesome waters.
3 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS IN RITES OF PASSAGE FILMS
First, Snyder explains that each character must be faced with the problem. Depending on the subtype, this could be peer pressure, substance abuse, divorce, a mid-life crisis, or even death. This problem is often one without an easy solution and, so, the protagonist often embarks on an ill-conceived plan to solve it. This “wrong way” is the second element, taking up much of Act Two, and merely delays the inevitable.
The final element is the solution to the problem found through “acceptance.” This means accepting things like mortality, a fractured family, the underlying motivations fueling an addiction, or becoming comfortable in one’s own skin. All of it is a part of life - necessary change as we move through the stages of modern existence.
The best coming of age movies have the power to reach anyone and everyone in the audience. As Snyder explains, the draw of this subgenre is just how universal these issues are and how the solutions can be conveyed to us with the right combination of drama, struggle, and revelation.
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
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♬ SONGS USED:
"Hero" - Family of the Year
"Thumper Exotica" - Rhythm Scott
"All Star" - ANBR
"Change (Instrumental)" - DaniHaDani
"Call to Action" - Alon Ohana
"Echo" - Twin Signals
"Love Theme" - Keith Forsey
"Wistful (Instrumental)" - Falls
"Dirty Walk" - Antonio Sanchez
"Nicole Leaves Hotel" - Alan Silvestri
"She Remembers Bucky in His Room" - Marvin Hamlisch
"In Motion" - Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross
"Full Access" - Jimmy Svensson
"Poi E" - Patea Maori Club
"Waihau Bay" - Phoenix Foundation
"Blister in the Sun" - Nouvelle Vague
"A Moon Walk (Instrumental)" - Yehezkel Raz
"Dont Lose Your Grip" - Diamonds And Ice
"Born Slippy (Nuxx / Remastered)" - Underworld
"Merge" - Theatre of Delays
"DUI" - Richard Gibbs
"Mrs. Doubtfire" - Howard Shore
"Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" - Aerosmith
"Binary Love" - Stanley Gurvich
"State Lines (Instrumental)" - Aaron Kellim
"Changes" - David Bowie
Music by Artlist ► utm.io/umJx
Music by Artgrid ► utm.io/umJy
Music by Soundstripe ► bit.ly/2IXwomF
Music by MusicBed ► bit.ly/2Fnz9Zq
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Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Coming of Age Movies 00:49 - Save the Cat Goes to the Movies Genres 01:31 - Elements of the Rites of Passage Stories 04:08 - Chapter 1: Life Problem 07:48 - Chapter 2: The Wrong Way 11:00 - Chapter 3: Acceptance 15:24 - Takeaways

[@lifewalklens8447]

❤️

[@pushin3839]

Thank you for this awesome topic about genres. Could you please cover Thriller or Horror or mystical genres?🤩🤩

[@ivyinabottle]

I’m such a sucker for slice-of-life, coming-of-age, low stakes high emotions stories and this is such a good breakdown of them. A majority of my favourite movies ever are featured lol

[@hforharshal1372]

I feel same... any recommendations?

[@StudioBinder]

Great to hear!

[@ivyinabottle]

@@hforharshal1372a lot of amazing recs in this video already, but I also recommend some underrated gems like Adventureland, The Kings of Summer, Kicking and Screaming, Pariah and Submarine. I guess these all are adolescent coming of age, rather than the other subtypes, but they’re all great.

[@pedro9553]

same! you should try battle royale.

[@SaurianStudios1207]

As someone who is coming of age and aspiring to be a filmmaker, I have been developing two coming of age stories that I hope become actual films. I’ve watched many coming of age films and read coming of age stories, so I have a good idea of what “growing up” means, in both real life and in the context of fiction.

[@Silver01Son]

That's great! I hope it all works out for you. I'm doing the same thing

[@StudioBinder]

Good luck!

[@bradical6019]

Live the dream ✨️

[@movielover828]

Coming-of-age stories are also one of the genres that I wish to make when I become a filmmaker one day.💯

[@hii9918]

Coming-of-age genre is one of my favorite genre as it is so relatable in real life, and it teaches us a lot of things face challenges in life ,and broaden horizon of thinking and possibility in life. Past lives has been the recent entrant in my long list of movies of this genre.

[@StudioBinder]

👍👍

[@dirtybird311]

My Sunday’s are spent dreading Monday, until I remember I’m getting coffee and a new Studio Binder video, to start the week.

[@StudioBinder]

Mondays with StudioBinder 💥

[@specialhiza]

Just a couple days ago i was doing a research on coming of age genre and today this video dropped. This is why i like you studiobinder

[@StudioBinder]

haha looking out for our viewers

[@TonaA.R.]

Love coming of age movies, are so much deeper than they appear.

[@StudioBinder]

We've all gone through it!

[@snowhunter7536]

I think the coming-of-age genre belongs to the umbrella genre of storytelling known as slice-of-life. I’m a sucker of slice-of-life media due to the simplicity of their stories and their focus on characterization and dynamics, and most of them are from anime movies and series like K-On! or A Silent Voice. Even Pixar is adapting this formula in their filmmaking process with the likes of Luca and Turning Red.

[@StudioBinder]

They definitely can be blended together

[@gossy_new_wave]

Coming of Age is definitely my favourite genre, and even though I thought I understood it, I never realised it extended beyond the adolescent trope. It even made me realise that our new short film, which we just posted today on our channel, could be classified as coming of age!! Thank you StudioBinder and the community of StudioBinder subscribers that have been supporting me as I post more videos!!!

[@StudioBinder]

👌

[@rsokon24]

I’d love to see on dystopia films.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@altidore1tv676]

My love for studiobinder

[@StudioBinder]

❤❤

[@AnkhUrAmun]

The Trainspotting song always send me to nostalgia town. What a beautiful movie. Thank you SB team for another amazing video!

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@igorsauchuk7724]

as usual I write another page in my paper notebook KONSPECT all your beautiful teachings

[@StudioBinder]

Great student haha

[@grantmccoy6739]

"Coming of age" is definitely a subgenre of the "rite of passage" story. The main difference is that in coming of age, the protagonists are usually innocent, whereas in rite of passage, its either coming to terms with an addiction or behavioral problem, or just the heros journey.

[@StudioBinder]

👌

[@AlexanderTBratrich]

Coming of Age movies are one of my favourite genres with a lot of my favourite movies. I never really considered "mid-life crisis movies" part of the same genre, but it makes sense

[@StudioBinder]

A different kind of coming of age

[@TheFilmLocker]

I love these types of movies. I feel it also makes a big difference and can be more profound depending on the time you 1st saw the film. I saw Bertolucci’s Stealing Beauty as a teen. Will always remember it with such nostalgia no matter how it compares to more popular COA movies. 😊

[@mikhail5428]

*Most "Coming of age" stories lists are of youth stories, but the reality is that there are more of these about adults becoming mature, or mature people accepting "old age", 2 stories that coming to my mind is, Adam Sandler's "Big Daddy" and Brittany Murphy's "Uptown Girls"*

[@StudioBinder]

Yup both exist

[@saravanan_raconteur]

A Great thanks for explaining on this topic as I got inspired to write my next book with coming of age story.

[@nettietrees7238]

This is fab. I just sat down last night to read thru that section in Save the Cat book! Looking forward to the rest in this series.

[@StudioBinder]

It's a great read!

[@mohammadsoltanizadeh9340]

Hi Studio binder :) Tnx a mil for your great videos. Almost every day I watch them. Could you please consider making some videos about how to make a short film? I guess a series of videos about short films will be a popular playlist for your subscribers including me :)

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

Thanks StudioBinder for this Inspiring video. 🙏😇

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@AScreenwritersJourney]

I'm currently writing a supernatural horror script, so I'd love for your next video in the series to be "Monster in the House." Thanks for all you do. You have one of the best channels on KZbin!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@jkennethjames4601]

love these guys videos keep it up

[@StudioBinder]

More on the way!

[@niu3970]

Thank you Studio Binder. :)

[@solertia33]

Taika Waititi’s Boy is an underrated masterpiece.

[@StudioBinder]

💯

[@adzero]

The best youtube channel ever. Period.

[@StudioBinder]

🙏🙏

[@RogerDeakins349]

*Would ya be kind enough to come up with a video on the Art Movements that influenced cinema?❤*

[@StudioBinder]

Yeah we might!

[@berkantbilgi7033]

Such a great video. Please go on ♥

[@StudioBinder]

More on the way :)

[@stephaniefegan8960]

I used this for my class and the students loved it!

[@nickb4694]

Great essay! I’ve always been inspired and connected to coming-of-age films! Please do ‘Monster in the House’ next!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@lifewalklens8447]

My online Film Academy studiobinder thanks a lot i never want to miss any episode on this shot list

[@StudioBinder]

You can repeat the class as much as you want ;)

[@drewo.127]

I think the coming of age outline is very good for what I’m currently writing! While the overall topic and plot is heavily based on certain current events involving art and technology, and has plenty of sub topics that will inevitably be explored like rage culture, bandwagoning, listening and understanding and more, I feel the central journey of my characters (who are fictionalized versions of me and a few friends and our original characters,) should have a coming of age story framework because honestly, it just feels right!👍💖

[@StudioBinder]

👍👍

[@cacomartin]

another inspirational master class 👏👏👏👏

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@anonymous.productions]

favorite genre. hope I do it justice in my future films

[@StudioBinder]

Happy filming :)

[@freddyjosereginomontalvo4667]

Thanks for the awesome video 🌍🌟

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@anamericanentrepreneur]

Great vid!

[@glassapple5903]

Coming-of-Age is definitely one of my favorite genres :). As for the vote, I’ve always wondered what the difference between a thriller and a horror is.

[@ZPHammill]

This is great!! Can you do Buddy Love next?

[@thecastiel69]

Make a video about neo-noir genre

[@x1101126]

Good video, please do them all sir, do them all. 👍❤❤❤

[@nrajeswari7683]

Hey it was a nice vid. Btw, can you explore more on the genre 'morality play' as I am writing a script based on it and clearly need some inspiration. It would be a big motivation if you guys made a video on that genre.

[@Great_Mr.A]

The perfect example: Mrs Doubtfire by Chris Columbus! ❤

[@StudioBinder]

🔥🔥

[@raysworld1812]

Plz make more of these genre videos 🤞❤️

[@stevelanemusic4463]

Excellent..!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@KVerne009]

The fool triumphant seems interesting

[@StudioBinder]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@shivanshsekhar]

Nice Video 😊 But can you something related to actors or acting

[@StudioBinder]

we made a video on directing actors! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXXdhqtsqZVsqsk

[@wijaksono1730]

my favorite genre: coming of age

[@StudioBinder]

👍👍

[@ajp2334]

Monster in the House for Halloween!!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Ghost-kf4sm]

For the next video could you do the western genre?

[@StudioBinder]

we might! we have one on neo-westerns you might like kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4HcZGprj6qjY8U

[@Joselopr]

Please cover the Action/Martial Arta genre!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@TERREMOTO67]

please do cliff cliffhangers

[@roisinmcmullan310]

Love these videos - please do Institionalised!

[@jermeycombs3602]

You need to make a Video on Camara Movement such as Motivational Movement and Unmotivated Camara Movement.

[@pedro9553]

can you make other genre as well? such as golden fleece, out of the bottle, and Institutionalized? is pulp fiction and reservoir dogs in the institutionalized category?

[@jagerbaby8628]

I don't fully understand what the difference between a coming of age story and positive character arc is. Whenever people explain coming of age they talk about a character growing and realising a need, which happens is all positive character arcs. So how can you differentiate? Especially when mixing genres, where the conflict is not so much an everyday issue.

[@emcyar7805]

Hi! I think your confusion comes from mixing some notions. A positive or negative character arc can be in any genre of story. The type of arc will determine if the character succed or not in the résolution of the life problem. If the main character doesn't and go deeper in the wrong way until "destruction" (negative arc), you still have a rite of passage, but a dramatic one.

[@mcZoehh]

thank u

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@tributetoartistic5365]

Please also check Lars von Trier's directing style

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@rodneylopez5073]

For the next video, I suggest the "Whydunit" genre.

[@StudioBinder]

we did it already! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHq3kKKkbal0rpY

[@jaykellin3639]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:02 📚 Coming of age stories are universal and resonate because they offer lessons on how to navigate life's obstacles. 01:24 🌟 Rites of passage in coming of age stories are not limited to teenagers; they cover various life experiences, including midlife crises, divorce, transition from childhood, battles with addiction, and facing death. 04:59 💔 In these stories, protagonists face a life problem that is often complex and offers no easy solution, and it's the journey to discovery that drives the character forward. 08:08 🚫 Characters typically pursue the solution in the wrong way, avoiding the inevitable by grasping at any solution that might help. 11:09 🔄 The protagonist's ultimate solution comes through acceptance and change, often forced upon them, leading to their transformation. 15:25 🎥 Rites of passage movies provide a natural and effective framework for stories about characters in transition, offering guidebooks on how to live and change. Made with HARPA AI

[@nicholasheal5925]

You gonna do another know your genre?

[@chrisbe]

Please cover monster in the house next

[@tavishmankash1888]

have a great day :)

[@daniellepires6975]

Nice video. I'm doing a research about the coming-of-age genre. If someone has any book recommendations, please let me know ;)

[@StudioBinder]

Good luck!

[@etistyle96]

do you look for books on the genre or book of the genre ? If you didn't done it (but i assume you probably had already) you can try "who are you Alaska ?" One of the best story i've red in my life.

[@aliaasman5518]

please do a micheal mann video he desrves more credit. specially breakdown of his style by you guys will be worth it.

[@StudioBinder]

thanks for the suggestion!

[@fridge3489]

Regarding Young Adult: the film's writer said she really doesn't think Mavis is going to change. So who's right? You, or the creator of the story (Diablo Cody)? I thought the same as you. It's possible that Cody can make herself an audience member, and offer an opinion, and that I can disagree with her. But if she were to say, categorically, that Mavis won't change, I'd probably reassess my view and believe Cody. There are whole discussions regarding this type of thing in the philosophy of literature. Others would disagree with my thinking. 😊 I love these kinds of discussions.

[@antoinecardinmusic3904]

Monster in the house please !

[@StudioBinder]

👌👌

[@bollywoodfightactionreacti9189]

Nice video 😂

[@StudioBinder]

🙏🙏

[@benharsy2356]

Golden Fleece. If this doesn't get picked then I hope the next one is Monster in the House.

[@melonusk6120]

Bring back the original voice of Studiobinder

[@StudioBinder]

He's working on more vids with us

[@user-pc3rw6mq7b]

can you plese tell me the narrator name the voise is so ear plessing

[@georgeofhamilton]

You know, this genre seems harder to do well than I thought.

[@StudioBinder]

Definitely

[@elichilton7031]

The Golden Fleece please.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@sphinxtheeminx]

8:44 Is Roy Scheider sporting that the world's worst wig or is it some kind of artistic statement?

[@StudioBinder]

let's call it artistic

[@FloydTaylor]

bring back the old guy with the voice

[@StudioBinder]

He's still working with us

[@danikaanderson4293]

Can you do Whodunits next!!!!

[@sonny5068]

Vive le cinéma!!!

[@SreerajSathul-dh2ue]

Please do any topic of kamal hasan😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Grace-ju1gp]

15:15 who did she choose?

[@anthonycolonjr.6631]

im verrrrrrry interested in the Superhero one

[@StudioBinder]

we break it down here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJu9Zq1ufpyfjbc

[@jasonoloo5860]

Do Golden Fleece

[@Film_Homage]

This video brings up so much anxiety

[@StudioBinder]

Why?

[@Film_Homage]

@@StudioBinder Firstly, thank you for replying! To answer you, as Snyder is quoted @10:58, avoiding pain is logical. Some of us haven't yet moved on to the "chapter 3" portion of our "rite of passage". We'll all get there someday as we hopefully learn to face the anxiety and challenges of life, I suppose.

[@Film_Homage]

I still appreciate this wonderful video of course. Thank you, @studiobinder for all the great info you guys have provided to the YT community

[@user-kb5kq6wc4m]

Please cover film noir.

[@ferro_gio]

hi from brazil.

[@StudioBinder]

Hello!

[@peterspaulding5584]

I do t get the preoccupation with substance abuse for the coming of age genre? I think that’s kind of just confusing character development with the Bildungsroman

[@StudioBinder]

It can be a part of someone's life

[@Sanjeettechnicalsupport]

😊

[@elaishh3533]

Rights of passage is the greatest deficiency facing our youth today. Our youth never are forced to face the change from childhood to adulthood and what comes from that.

[@StudioBinder]

They need to watch a great coming of age film

[@noahishihara1771]

Whydunit pleaseeeeeee

[@iamizuoba]

True Life Stories

[@marvelfans8807]

Monster in the house

[@6wingsfilmstudio319]

Best ❤❤🎉🎉🎉U bosss

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@danielokoroma196]

Golden fleece

[@burbex]

i wonder if there is an "anti coming of age" genre, like people growing up tobe villains or ass-hats - I guess like Gru in Minions, but on crack or murderous instead.

[@StudioBinder]

Always room for subversion

[@BadKarma714]

Where’s the voice

[@jpmojo]

@studiobinder Vote: The Fool Triumphant

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@rorypuds]

A criminal lack of Garden State in this one guys!

[@StudioBinder]

😮

[@britbbgum]

Monster in the House

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@krisnaradhe10]

Buddy Love

[@ankitraj3762]

Please guide me to soot a music video ❤

[@StudioBinder]

Good luck!

[@ankitraj3762]

@@StudioBinder I am waiting for your video tutorial on music video sooting

[@Darkhunter-he1tv]

Please make a superhero

[@StudioBinder]

we covered the genre! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJu9Zq1ufpyfjbc

[@FilmPunk]

Remind me again how many awards Blake Snyder has for writing? 🤣🤣🤣

[@StudioBinder]

Not sure, but his concepts are helpful

[@FilmPunk]

@@StudioBinder It's zero, has does have a Razzie for screenwriting tho..