Movie Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

"We accept the love we think we deserve."

There was no way I could resist NOT talking about The Perks of Being a Wallflower. This is definitely my favourite movie of 2012, and having just watched it again last week, I know that this film is going to become one of my top favourites. It might even knock An Education out of first place which is definitely saying a lot.

The film is based on the book by the same name written by Stephen Chbosky, and revolves around Charlie, a high school freshman who is coping with the suicide of his best friend, his own mental health and trying to find a place in his high school. I think the film does incredible justice to the book, although I feel like to fully receive the full effect of the movie you have to have read the book. It's quite dark even though there are comic and happy parts, but it's a movie that will grip at your heart and soul while watching. When two seniors, Sam and Patrick, take Charlie under their care the plot evolves in a great arch, proving that all we really need are a few genuine people in our lives.

I highly recommend this movie, although I will warn you that you have to watch it with an open mind and an understanding that mental health is a big underlying part. I saw it twice in theatres and there were parts when people would laugh that made me want to stand up and yell at people to educate themselves about mental health because those parts were not meant to be funny at all.

If you have seen this movie, what did you think? Have you read the book? What did you think?

PS. I find that if you can relate to anything in the movie, your enjoyment of watching will be even greater, although, as a warning, bring a box of tissues.

Screencaps by me.