Stand by me is a film based on the maturity it takes to complete a journey and how much a person changes and develops. The group of boys go through trials and
tribulations to reach their desired destination of Ray Brower’s body. Through stories, to near death experiences, the boy’s young minds started to develop to a more adolescent mindset throughout their journey, which their sudden maturity came into action towards the end of the movie to protect Ray Brower’s body.
The boys exhibit maturation throughout the film; however, I would like to focus on a few specific instances, beginning with the scene where they are strolling on the train tracks and Gordie and Chris are engaged in a profound conversation about Gordie attending college courses.
Scene 12 Lollypop I don't want to be a writer https://gippslandgs-my.sharepoint.com/personal/zh_gippslandgs_vic_edu_au/_layouts/15/stream.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fzh%5Fgippslandgs%5Fvic%5Fedu%5Fau%2FDocuments%2FDocuments%2FEnglish%2010%2FStand%20By%20Me%20clips%2FScene%2012%20Lollypop%20I%20don%27t%20want%20to%20be%20a%20writer%2Emov&referrer=StreamWebApp%2EWeb&referrerScenario=AddressBarCopied%2Eview%2Ea52fb9e5%2D4b7d%2D4b55%2Db50f%2Dcc64130895a6
This clip conveys Chris’s maturity and is shown when Gordie communicates and expresses his feelings about not wanting to be a writer, or at least that’s what his father is making him think. At that point, Chris stands up for Gordie and expresses that God gave him a gift, and Gordie should take advantage of that gift. Rob Reiner purposefully chose a somewhat low-angled view to make Chris appear larger/more mature than Gordie as he tells him what is best for him and how he has his full support; this angle is utilised to make Chris appear to be more dominant than Gordie.
whilst Gordie and Chris were walking behind Vern and teddy on the train they both convey two different side while Chris and Gordie are very mature and talking about life, Vern and teddy were further up the track talking about who is the best superhero.
Scene 12 lollypop Vern and Teddy argue about Mighty Mouse vs Superman https://gippslandgs-my.sharepoint.com/personal/zh_gippslandgs_vic_edu_au/_layouts/15/stream.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fzh%5Fgippslandgs%5Fvic%5Fedu%5Fau%2FDocuments%2FDocuments%2FEnglish%2010%2FStand%20By%20Me%20clips%2FScene%2012%20lollypop%20Vern%20and%20Teddy%20argue%20about%20Mighty%20Mouse%20vs%20Superman%2Emov&referrer=StreamWebApp%2EWeb&referrerScenario=AddressBarCopied%2Eview%2Eae0ea73f%2Df99d%2D46aa%2Db4ef%2D5aa10f09c6bd
In this video footage, the innocent nature of other children of the same age is illustrated through the two distinct types of conversation, which illustrates the boys’ development into sophisticated and mature individuals throughout their voyage.
Scene 19 finding Ray Anonymous phonecall
https://gippslandgs-my.sharepoint.com/personal/zh_gippslandgs_vic_edu_au/_layouts/15/stream.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fzh%5Fgippslandgs%5Fvic%5Fedu%5Fau%2FDocuments%2FDocuments%2FEnglish%2010%2FStand%20By%20Me%20clips%2FScene%2019%20finding%20Ray%20Anonymous%20phonecall%2Emov&referrer=StreamWebApp%2EWeb&referrerScenario=AddressBarCopied%2Eview%2Ea4b06514%2D3596%2D4b23%2Da683%2D699d22c11859
After discovering Ray Brower’s body and confronting Ace Merrill’s gang, the four boys – Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern – are faced with a moral dilemma. They had initially set out on their journey with dreams of fame and glory, hoping to be celebrated as heroes for finding the missing boy. But in a moment of maturity beyond their years, the boys decide that exploiting Brower’s death for personal gain would be wrong. This decision marks a significant turning point in their journey from childhood to adolescence. Gordie, as the group’s unofficial leader, announces that they will report the body through an anonymous phone call instead.
text to text
When Gordie cries after discovering Ray Brower’s body because he was then reminded off the passing of his brother Chris comforted him and supported him when he was down. I can link this to a time my best friend was going through a really rough stage in his life and no one really knew and he broke down in front of me and i was there to comfort and support him just like Chris did for Gordie.
text to world
the film stand By Me shows a group of teenage boys going on an unaccompanied journey, echoing real-world arguments over adolescent independence. The video depicts boys facing danger and making decisions without adult supervision, reflecting teens’ developmental urge to take risks and earn autonomy.
In today’s environment, there is constant debate over the acceptable degree of independence for teenagers. Some say that overprotection stifles personal development, while others prioritise safety concerns. The film’s portrayal of autonomous exploration is consistent with current discussions about “free-range” parenting and the balance between protection and freedom.