The Cultural Impact of ‘Young and Beautiful’ in Cinema and Music

Ah, "young & beautiful." Hollywood loves this phrase. It reflects an age-old fascination. Movies constantly ask us, "Remember youth? Wasn't it... something?" Spoiler: sometimes yes, often no. It’s complicated. But complexity makes for good viewing.

Movies and the 'Young' Obsession

Add "Young" to a movie title. You'll find juicy themes waiting. Just see the evidence. We have plenty of films focusing on this. Think of titles like:

• "So Young" – Because just "young" isn't enough.
• "Younger" (TV Series) – Younger than what exactly? We'll dissect that later.
• "Youth" – Simple and deep contemplations about aging.
• "Young Woman" – Broad and intriguing. What's her story?
• "She's Too Young" – Potential scandal. Too young for what?
• "Young Ones" – Sounds dystopian, right? A cautionary tale about today's kids.
• "Ever Young" – The eternal quest! A blessing? A curse? Probably both.
• "Promising Young Woman" – Something deeper than just youthful enthusiasm. Promising Young Woman trailer, please? Check it out here.
• "Young Adult" – Those awkward years captured. Expect angst and questionable fashion.
• "While We're Young" – A mid-life crisis movie ready to unfold.
• "The Young Offenders" – Comedy, crime, and coming-of-age unfolding here.
• "Young Love" – Sweet but fleeting first love. Expect butterflies.
• "They Were So Young" – A touch of nostalgia and maybe tragedy.

This list isn't exhaustive! Hollywood loves "young" themes.

What Does 'Young' Even Mean?

Let’s get philosophical. "Young" is more than a number. It’s a whole vibe. "So young" reflects more than just age; it's about those early life stages. Fresh-faced, maybe naive, full of potential, and a bit clumsy in navigating life. Experience still loading. Think 'youthful', 'vigorous', 'lively', 'growing.' Antonyms? 'Old,' 'mature' – very clear. Basically, "young" means ‘not yet jaded by life's realities.’ Movies love to play with this contrast.

"Younger" - The TV Series Deep Dive

Speaking of 'young,' let’s discuss Younger, a TV series. It takes the "young" concept. Liza Miller, a 40-year-old woman, wants to pass for younger to re-enter publishing. Why? Because being 40 and divorced is career kryptonite. Enter age deception.

Liza, played by Sutton Foster, navigates millennial culture. She dates younger men (Josh, played by Nico Tortorella), works for a boss who loves emojis over words. Her age lie fuels comedy and drama. Relationships are complex: hot young tattoo artist Josh and sophisticated older boss Charles (Peter Hermann).

Supporting characters have their own dramas as well. Kelsey Peters (Hilary Duff) is the ambitious millennial heading to LA. Maggie Amato (Debi Mazar), Liza’s best friend, provides the witty voice of reason and has her own romantic side with Cass. Don't forget Diana Trout (Miriam Shor), the HR queen facing reduced role in season 7 due to COVID constraints.

The finale? Most find happiness. Liza’s career solidifies, while the Josh question remains ambiguous for romantic tension lovers. Kelsey moves to LA, Maggie finds love, and Charles retreats to write his novel in typical Charles fashion.

Fun fact: Younger shoots in New York City. Based on a novel by Pamela Redmond Satran, the tale of pretending to be younger feels timeless.

Why watch it? If you like light comedy, female empowerment, dazzling fashion, and NYC vibes, Younger is perfect. Currently trending on Netflix, proving age-bending stories are timelessly appealing. Some find it unrealistic or too fluffy — but isn’t escapism the aim of TV? For behind-the-scenes info, check out Wikipedia: Younger (TV series) - Wikipedia.

Oh, trivia: Hilary Duff hesitated to take on Kelsey due to NYC filming pulling her from LA life. Glad she stayed on because Kelsey is iconic.

"When We Were Young" - Adele's Ode to the Past

Switching from TV to music: Adele’s song "When We Were Young." It hits that nostalgic note, right? It's all about reconnecting with friends and memories of youth. Fear of aging? Check. Bittersweet reflections? Double-check. The lyrics tug at the heart, exploring the fear of relentless time passing. A recurring theme on her album 25, Adele makes us feel deeply about everything.

"Youth" - Movie Spa Day of Reflection

Now for something different but also age-themed: the film Youth. This one's not about pretending to be young; it's contemplating aging at a Swiss spa. Where else does one ponder mortality? It stars Michael Caine as Fred, a retired composer, and Harvey Keitel as Mick, a longtime filmmaker friend. Spa settings, deep talks, contemplating gracefully aging (or not) – very European.

Related Themes: Youth in Context

What's the takeaway from all this "young" talk? "Young" in media is often loaded with:

• Coming-of-age stories – Everyone enjoys watching adulthood unfold. For a different edge, see Girl (2018 film) - Wikipedia.
• Age-related deception – As Younger shows, lying about age can be hilariously dramatic.
• Challenges of aging – Getting old is real, and movies explore its anxieties and absurdities.
• Female friendships – Shows like Younger often highlight complex female bonds amid youthful settings.
• Navigating career challenges – Whether restarting at 40 or chasing millennial dreams, stories abound.
• The publishing industry – Maybe niche, but Younger makes it engaging with drama.

Let’s not forget the classic trope: fake young identities to enter a new realm. Liza Miller doesn’t break new ground but does so with style and humor. Next time you see "young" in a title, expect a ride exploring more than just age. It’s about the messy, beautiful, sometimes hilarious journey toward being... well, not old.