ABSTRACT
Coming-of-age films deals with the protagonist age such as loss of a loved one, understanding the fallibility of authority figures, sexuality, and loss of virginity, leaving home for the first time, divorce or acceptance of mortality. Coming-of-age societal rituals include ceremonies and/or tasks that the child must undertake to show that he or she is worthy of being considered an adult. Many pre-teen coming-of-age films focus on friendship or teamwork or increased understanding of the adult world. The screenwriter, in creating the mental space of the coming-of-age genre for the audience, may employ schematic knowledge choices by setting up the character reacting in an immature or humiliating situation. It is important for the schematic knowledge of the fish-out-of-water genre to set up the normal life of the protagonist before introducing the new world. Mining the emotional, intellectual and physical challenges facing a protagonist who is unprepared or unskilled or unworthy of a task can help connect the fish-out-of-water narrative audience.
