Great 80s movie. Warning Spoilers!

Rating: Null/10 (21 July 2001)

So there I was an 18 year-old U.S. Army private newly stationed in Fulda Germany, still to afraid to wander outside the gate of the base into a foreign country. So what was there to do but to go to the post theater and watch a movie called `Flashdance'? (Later on after I ventured outside the base and became comfortable with my surroundings I also saw this flick in a German cinema).

Well I've always had a predilection for dark haired, dark eyed women anyway, so when the preternatural pulchritude that is Jennifer Beals (and her dancing body double) filled the screen I was in elysium. For that dreamy hour and a half, Jennifer filled the romantic void of a lonely, girlfriendless kid who was very far from home.
This film has been too often dismissed as plotless; a charge that is not only unfair but also unobservant. The story of a young girl struggling with the vicissitudes of her life (as well as her friends) and trying to fulfill her dream of becoming a renowned dancer is as much, or more, of a plot as many standard Hollywood projects. And if one looks closely there is even occasional symbolism (though possibly not intended by the creators) such as the wayward friend falling in the gutter after her dirty money and the final scene where Alex (Beals) gets up after falling during her audition, unlike her ice-skating friend who gives up after a similar occurrence.

I know that the music and trendy aspects of the film (break dancing-MTV like music sequences) made the movie a target for `cash-in' critics. But I think that a second look by these detractors would reveal a charming storyline, with strong (though not realistic) characters. In fact one of the movies great plusses is the development of the folks that surround Alex (the elderly and dear Hanna who encourages her dreams, her problem-possessing friends that serve to enhance Alex's amiable self, the aging club dancer that profoundly affects her at the movie's close, the degenerate rival club owner, and even her homely dog) all of whom are presented in clear-cut (though predictable-which is what is called for) scenes that establish their purpose. None of these characters are superfluous and all add to the story.

Add to this some extremely apropos music (the title track may be the most inspirational show tune since the theme from Rocky), a great sense of direction which adroitly goes from over the top to subtlety (such as the scene when Alex first tries to turn in an application to the conservatory which uses a shot of the shoes worn by the women in line, as well as inaudible whispers to drive the scene), a VERY funny punch in the stomach, and an ending that is uplifting and you have a great romantic movie.