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Dirty Dancing (1987)

Director: Emile Ardolino

Average user rating
3 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

After 2004’s straight-to-DVD sequel, the superior original is re-released, digitally restored, to mark the film’s twentieth anniversary. Aside from making fans feel very old, this is also likely to make them feel just as jubilant and light-footed as they did on first viewing. A 1960s-set wish-fulfillment romance, it sees sheltered teen ‘Baby’ (Jennifer Grey) falling for hunky dancer Johnny (Patrick Swayze) on holiday when she’s conveniently required to replace his dancing partner, who’s pregnant (scandal!).
Naturally, Baby’s parents would disapprove, so their illicit rehearsal sessions must be kept secret. Some of the dialogue is clunky, incidental characters are stereotypical and the set-up is completely unlikely. But this is a fantasy, deftly tapping into the youthful desire to explore the delights of a forbidden world, shine beyond the expectations of parents and lose one’s virginity to Patrick Swayze. OK, so this last point may be of less concern to today’s teen audience but the film’s easy charm, infectious soundtrack and tidy choreography should still win over new fans as well as old.

Author: Anna Smith 2007-02-06 18:49:51

Time Out London Issue 1903: February 7-13 2007


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User reviews of this film

  • sue said...
    Posted on Sep 15 2009 12:00 fantastic film 1 of my all time best!
    R.I.P.
    Patrick
    xxx
    Report as inappropriate
  • Elaine Stevens said...
    Posted on Mar 03 2008 19:31 such a fantastic film, we all tried to act out the Dancing, but with disaterous results, great music, good storyline, ACE +++++ RATING had to go out to buy it !!!!!
    Report as inappropriate
  • john lowe said...
    Posted on Jan 24 2008 08:35 If you've already bought your tickets try to sell them asap this shows got to flop.
    Report as inappropriate

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Cast & crew

Director: Emile Ardolino

Producer: Linda Gottlieb

Cast: Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Jerry Orbach, Cynthia Rhodes, Jack Weston, Jane Bruckner full cast

Genre(s): Musicals

Rated: 12A

Duration: 96 mins

UK Release: Feb 2 2007

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