"I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?" It takes a pretty special movie to have both ridiculously impressive opening and closing lines, but that's what Stand By Me is able to pull off. The adult version of Gordie Lachance is finishing up his reminiscences about his childhood friends. He hasn't stayed particularly close with any of them, and he has just learned that Chris Chambers has died, having been killed after trying to break up a brawl. Even though they had grown apart, his former best friend's passing left him in a sentimental mood. His thoughts are poignant, and have a funny sort of truth to them. There's a peculiar bond that develops in pre-adolescence - they're faced with a new level of independence, but without the responsibilities that inevitably tear childhood friendships apart just a few years down the line.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
