There are moments in all our lives when it is imperative to be surrounded by people who will be there for you no matter what. These are the friends that, even if you fail and break down, will be at your side to gather your broken pieces and help put you back together. It does not mean you can’t argue and disagree. It’s okay if they see you at your worst because they know you would do the same for them. These are special bonds that nurture and accept who you are at your core, with all your flaws, whether you are an adult or perhaps a mere twelve-year-old. These friendships give us the strength to carry on and continue following our life’s journey.
I have always been blessed to have these special relationships through my adventures, joys, and devastations. I have been tightly held more times than I thought I deserved. Some came into my life for only seconds, and others still stand beside me every day. Leaning on them, or just remembering their fleeting faces, gives me courage and hope. Perhaps there is nothing like the friendships you make when on the cusp of adulthood. They can test your values in ways you never imagined. You learn right from wrong…weak from strong. Sometimes, it is even possible to grow a lifetime within only two days. This is what happened to four young boys who set off on a walking railroad trek one day in Castle Rock, Oregon, to see a dead body and eventually become heroes. Instead, they returned home much wiser and forever changed in Rob Reiner’s 1986 directorial triumph, STAND BY ME.
STAND BY ME was adapted from a Stephen King novella, THE BODY. Many of the same crazy escapades happened to Stephen when he was a young boy growing up. He mentioned the leech scene at the river was very authentic. Stephen has also said in interviews that this adaptation of his original horror story has always been his favorite.
Careers were catapulted as a result of this film. Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, River Phoenix, and Jerry O’Connell were the core of this explosive story that gave permission to young boys across the world to say, do, feel, react, and evaluate whatever they felt about their fears, guilt, anger, and grief. It was freeing and totally honest. The chemistry among these four boys was instinctive and brilliant. They personified true friendship while hiking those twenty, grueling miles.
STAND BY ME shined a light on preteen boys and what topics run through their young brains at any given second. This includes one of my favorite scenes featuring Lard Ass and the great pie-eating contest. It was such a visual catastrophe of cottage cheese and blueberries. I don’t think the images can ever be fully erased, since several cast members, extras, and crew knew it was not real vomit, yet threw up while filming. Nor will I ever forget Chris and Vern’s race across the railroad tracks while being chased by a train. This scene took a solid week to film with Jerry, River, and several short, stunt women. It was all about the camera angles and shadows. Incredible.
Kiefer Sutherland was another member of the ensemble, portraying the defiant gang leader Ace. He was one mean dude who could scare anyone and make them do things his way. Richard Dreyfuss played Gordo years into the future. His narrative voice is always very commanding and gives the film a bittersweet ending much like real life.
The music featured the original song by Ben E. King who sang STAND BY ME and helped audiences cheer for their friends. The heartfelt score soothed our souls after sharing such an ordeal with the boys, and it was rewarded with an Oscar nomination.
STAND BY ME is a coming-of-age classic that is funny, sweet, and outrageous. It is one of Stephen King’s lighter stories and Rob Reiner’s best. It is about one small moment in life that, in the end, made a huge impact on these boys. Isn’t that the truth about most things we all live through when we are young? It is available on Hulu.
