Product: Dirty Dancing (1987)
Rating: 5.0
This is the Time of ANYONE'S Life!
As other reviewers have said, this movie is timeless. It was made when I was about 5 years old but when I first saw it at the age of 16 I fell in love! And no, not over Patrick Swayze's six pack and pecks (although they are added bonuses!) but over the heart and humanity of the story. The story takes place in the summer of 1963 "Before President Kennedy was shot, before the Beatles came" as Baby, the heroine, says. She and her Mom, Dad and sister are on their way to a family vacation spot. Baby is sort of a wallflower, she has her own ideas and ambitions but no spark to her life. Then, she sees Johnny Castle, a tall, rebellious dance instructor. When Penny, Johnny's dance partner, finds out she's pregnant and decides to get an illegal abortion, Baby becomes involved in the struggles of the teens and twenty-somethings barely making a living among the "elite".Baby then makes a deal to learn how to dance so that both Johnny and Penny can keep their jobs. I love these scenes when she and Johnny are arguing over the dance steps. The scene with "Hungry Eyes" is one of my favorites! In the course of this, we see Baby's evolution from dowdy clothing to great clothes and makeup! And once she shows some spirit, the story really begins. Johnny learns to respect her and she sees the true person hidden behind the tough exterior.Of course, there has to be conflict. When Penny's abortion threatens her life, Baby again saves the day by bringing her doctor father in to save her. Johnny takes the wrap for the pregnancy and at the same time, Baby makes a bold move!Penny's pregnancy and Baby's automatic assumption that the child is Johnny's is typical of the wealthy's view of people considered "low" class. The fact that it is Robbie's, the med. student waiter, shows the truth of life. Appearances are deceiving. This movie is a lesson for anyone willing to automatically lean on stereotypes. Baby's Dad was sure Johnny was the bad guy and was all ready for Lisa (his other daughter) to marry Robbie!If I say any more, I will give away the whole plot. But believe me, it only gets better and better! Dirty Dancing is all about having fun, giving people a chance, not falling in to stereotypes and not being afraid to fall in love! This rings true for any generation. This movie is a MUST WATCH for anyone!