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A Reminder to Participate

Contributor

Angel Dover


“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is based on director Stephen Chbosky’s book of the same name. It follows a high school freshman named Charlie who writes letters to an unknown friend as he navigates life in the 1990s.


The movie stars many renowned actors like Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Paul Rudd and Nina Dobrev. Despite being released over a decade ago in 2012, this movie tells a relatable coming-of-age tale that continues to remind us to “participate” in the huge world around us.


First, the movie begins with Charlie writing a letter about him starting his freshman year of high school. The story continues this theme as Charlie shares his experiences in his letters.


It follows him as he makes new friends, tries new things and experiences new relationships.


You will also see how Charlie handles big topics like grief, family issues and a whirlwind of emotions. This movie gives a glimpse into the life of a student whom many viewers may be able to relate to.However, this coming-of-age story tackles some possibly triggering subjects. The movie contains homophobia, references to past abuse, suicide and mental health issues.


Nevertheless, do not let these topics scare you away. At times, it may feel like things are taking an overwhelmingly dark turn, but the story does have a happy ending.


It also  offers viewers who may also be struggling with similar situations, experiences or emotions ways to seek help. Furthermore, the  parts of the movie that could be considered negative are necessary to the story of growth and end with positive messages that viewers can take forward.


In comparison to the book, the movie stays true to the heart of the story. I would argue it is one of the best book-to-movie adaptations I have seen and credit that to its director, who is also the author of the book. The actors show all the emotions readers would have felt from the words on the pages.


The story is also perfectly shaped to fit within the movie’s time limit. It is a great movie to watch if you do not have time to read the book.Moreover, I would recommend this movie to others since it tells an engaging story that many other people might find themselves in. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have struggled with mental health. This movie shows that it can and does get better.


It also speaks volumes for introverted individuals who are used to watching the world from the sidelines, and it encourages them to step out of their comfort zones to find their place in mindless chaos. This movie also provides people with a moment to reminisce about their high school years as they relearn how to navigate the world in their college years.


“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” can easily find a home within the Trojan community.Furthermore, this movie quickly became my go-to comfort piece. I first read the book when I was 15 and struggling with my mental health. After gaining the freedom to watch whatever I wanted, I kept coming back to this movie because I continued to see myself in it.


I was often referred to as a wallflower -- very reserved and seldom got involved with others. Luckily, I had a teacher who also encouraged me to “participate.” Charlie’s struggles were relatable for me and I continue to see myself in him as I start things as a freshman all over again.


Even if I could recite each line in the movie back to you, I would continue to find comfort in this coming-of-age tale. After all, I would not be writing this article to get involved if I did not find myself in this movie time and again.


“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” shares common teenage experiences that can still be found as people learn to function as adults in college. While it contains its fair share of dark parts, it also brings hope to those who struggle.


I would strongly recommend taking the time to watch this movie. It is also free to watch with ads for fellow college students who have been kicked off their family’s Netflix plan!

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