Five Important Movies That Tackle Teenage Suicide

The topic of teenage suicide is one that has been highlighted in recent years. The numbers have risen at an alarming rate. Depression, family issues, trauma and bullying are the leading causes. In some cases, parents, friends and loved ones have no idea that their loved one is suicidal. Even though the signs may be there, it is often difficult for those closest to see them. Hollywood has done its part to raise awareness of the problem through film. Here are five important movies that tackle teenage suicide.

“The Virgin Suicides” (1999)

This film is Sofia Coppola’s first feature as director. It is adapted from the novel by Jeffrey Eugenides. The story follows five teenage girls who are born into highly privileged families. The youngest of the group attempts suicide, but is unsuccessful. The film shows that growing up wealthy does not guarantee happiness or emotional stability. In fact, privilege comes with its own consequences for teens who are struggling to find themselves in a highly competitive world of expectations.

“Suicide Club ” (2002)

American teens have their own set of problem, but teenagers growing up in Japan have amplified pressures. This film takes a hard look at the accelerated pace that Japan sets as an expectation from their young people. “Suicide Club” is about 54 teenage girls who commit suicide at a subway station. This sets off a wave of suicides throughout the country. It shows how fads can catch on easily in populations of youth who are forced to deal with pressures from family, friends and society as a whole. The intention of the film is to drive home the need for teens to find a good reason to remain in the land of the living when so much is expected of them.

“Harold and Maude” (1971)

This film was not originally met with enthusiasm as the theme was dark and a bit on the bizarre side. Harold is a youth who has an unhealthy obsession with death. The morbid youth attends funerals and outlines multiple fake suicides. He meets Maude who is 79 years old and also has an interest in funerals, although she isn’t quite on the same level as Harold. The film delivers a powerful message and is perhaps better understood today than at the time of its release, when the topic was still taboo. Although the film falls under the dark comedy genre, it had a serious message. In the end, Harold seems to get a grip on his obsession and it appears he may be ready to move on and lead a somewhat normal life. This is the hope we have for our teens today, who go through periods of preoccupation with death.

“Ordinary People” (1980)

This film is about the Jarret family who are trying to move on with their lives after the suicide of their son. Robert Redford stars as the father who must face yet more heartache after the older son attempts suicide as well. The son returns home and the parents try to understand what is happening. A common thread throughout the film is lack of communication and perhaps, not knowing how to communicate with family members. Every one has problems but some are not willing to discuss the. Misunderstandings coupled with fear and hesitation to talk things out are central to the problems that the family is experiencing.

“Suicide Room” (2011)

This film is similar to the Japanese film “Suicide Club” It is a Polish movie that explores self-destructive tendencies in teenagers which are brought about by angst over the accelerated society in which they live. The story centers around a teenager who is treated poorly in the real world because he is inept and painfully awkward. He becoems a recluse and finds his escape in the virtual world. He becomes involved with Sylvia who has admitted that she is suicidal.