Sixteen Candles, the iconic coming-of-age film directed by John Hughes, celebrated its 40th anniversary on May 4th, 2024. While the movie has achieved cult status and is considered a classic of the 1980s, its portrayal of certain characters and themes has not aged well and has faced criticism in recent years.
Problematic Aspects
One of the most controversial aspects of Sixteen Candles is the character of Long Duk Dong, played by Gedde Watanabe. The character is a harmful stereotype of an Asian exchange student who speaks in broken English and catchphrases, often becoming the butt of jokes. Watanabe himself acknowledged that some aspects of the character were questionable, such as the use of the term “Chinaman.” The film’s treatment of women and sexual assault has also been widely criticized. The female characters, including the protagonist Samantha (Molly Ringwald), are often portrayed in a derogatory manner and made to seem hysterical. Additionally, the film makes light of a potential sexual assault when a character takes inappropriate pictures of an intoxicated girl.
Enduring Iconic Moments
Despite its flaws, Sixteen Candles has produced several iconic moments that have become ingrained in pop culture. The final scene, where Samantha gets her dream guy Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling), is a quintessential teenage romance moment. The scene where Jake waits for Samantha outside the church, leaning against his red Porsche, has been referenced and parodied in numerous shows and movies. Another memorable scene is Samantha’s heartfelt conversation with her father about growing up, which was groundbreaking for its time in depicting a father comforting his teenage daughter.
Hear T.J. and Jay review “Sixteen Candles” with their analysis and trivia on the “We’ve Seen That!” podcasts by clicking play below,
Legacy and Reflection
While acknowledging the problematic aspects of Sixteen Candles, it’s essential to recognize its impact on pop culture and its contribution to the coming-of-age genre. As society evolves, it’s crucial to be critical of the issues that arise in older films while also appreciating their lasting contributions. As Sixteen Candles celebrates its 40th anniversary, it serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come in terms of representation and sensitivity, while also highlighting the enduring appeal of well-crafted stories and iconic moments that resonate with audiences across generations.
