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Poster for Sixteen Candles

Sixteen Candles

Turning sixteen isn't easy, when you've fallen in love... for the first time.

1984 · 1h 33m · PG Comedy, Romance
Directed by John Hughes

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Overview

With the occasion all but overshadowed by her sister's upcoming wedding, angst-ridden Samantha faces her 16th birthday with typical adolescent dread. Samantha pines for studly older boy Jake, but worries that her chastity will be a turnoff for the popular senior. Meanwhile, she must constantly rebuff the affections of nerdy Ted, who is unfortunately the only boy in school who seems to take an interest in her.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
81%
Tomatometer
Fresh

There's also a darkly handsome high school heartbreak kid (Michael Schoeffling), a merciful brisk pace, some quick humor (visual and verbal), and a solid music track.

Variety Staff, Variety
Rotten

As the girl, Molly Ringwald is natural and appealing, but she's lost in a world of blunt, vicious caricatures.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Fresh

Sly humour and an appreciative ear for the demotic improv of teenage chat completes an attractive package.

Derek Adams, Time Out
Fresh

A sweet and funny movie about two of the worst things that can happen to a girl on her sixteenth birthday.

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Fresh

Most of the the movie is cheerful and light, showcasing Mr. Hughes's knack for remembering all those aspects of middle-class American adolescent behavior that anyone else might want to forget.

Janet Maslin, New York Times

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