Explore the representation of adolescence in 'Stand by Me' with reference to the key concepts. Whilst exploring the film as a whole do refer to specific scenes.

The main theme within 'Stand by Me' is the closeness of pre-teen boys, 'hanging around' in gangs and generally trying to grow up too fast. It is in the 'coming of age' movie genre. The opening sequence reflects the close bond still shared by the two main characters (Gordie and Chris); as we see from the headline that Chris has been shot dead. The young boys wanting and trying to grow up quickly is shown …

…he wants to go somewhere where nobody knows him, to start afresh. On the other hand, when with Vern and Teddy, Chris comes across as the tough guy to keep up the representation of 'hard-nut' within the gang. 'Stand by Me' as a whole shows how fast children want to grow up, and how they aspire to adults, even if they have been or are treated badly by the adults they know and/or love.