23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
What a song! It carries the movie, December 17, 2003
You just keep waiting for that Oscar-winning title song to come around again; it's gotta be the most joyful, uplifting, foot-stompin', head and hip swinging tune ever written for a movie. Jennifer Beals works as a welder by day, but does sexy dancing in a club at night, practicing constantly for a chance to audition for the formal dance school, tho she'd never had formal training and feels inferior to the others in the audition lines.
As reality, it won't float. But as an energetic and boisterous vehicle for a sweet story and some of the best music and dancing ever seen on screen, it's a five-star winner.
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23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jennifer Beals- thank you!!, September 7, 2003
Of the top five or so movies that have had the greatest impression on me, no movie had the personal impact as did "Flashdance." I was going through, what I like to call, a "character building" period in my life after having moved to California a little less than a year before this movie came out. Long story short: no job, no car, no money when a friend of mine called and said he wanted me to go see "Flashdance," with him- his treat. After a little coercing, I gave in.
Yes, the movie has a typical or predictable plot, but I would not call it weak because of the actors and the memorable characters they created. The viewer is bonded to the characters in this movie- one cares what happens to them. The cinematography in this movie is great, especially the opening credit scenes of Pittsburgh as Alex is riding her bike to work. No, this movie doesn't have "5-star" acting... I think that would have ruined this whole movie. It has, what I would call, "real-life" acting: not that polished and maybe stumbles a bit here and there. It gives this movie its strength, not a weakness.
Not only are the musical scenes great, the background musical interludes chosen also help set the feeling in many of the scenes... "Lady, Lady, Lady," sung by Joe Esposito playing during a tender romantic scene between Alex and her boss, and- my favorite- "I'll Be Here Where The Heart Is," sung by Kim Carnes played during one of Alex's low-points in the film.
The highlight of the film is its finale when Alex is auditioning in front of the Pittsburgh Dance and Conservatory Company's selection committee. I would call it one of the greatest movie moments of all time. I stepped out of the theatre feeling I was walking three feet above the ground back to the car. I have never left another movie sensing that level of enthusiasm, exhilaration, and energy. I made myself a promise at that moment that things would get better... and they did too... in ways I never could have imagined at the time. Thank you, Jennifer Beals, for the motivation and inspiration you gave me at that time in my life!
This was one of the most influential movies of the '80's. The DVD picture is clearer and the sound incredible compared to my ol' VHS tape. GREAT movie! If you haven't seen it, buy it and see what positive effect it has on you!
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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Take Your Passion and Make it Happen, July 16, 1999
By A Customer
Words can't describe how much I love this film. This was the film that made me want to become a dancer. I love the opening dance scene and I've always wanted to re-create it. Jennifer Beals is a great actress and it's hard to believe that she was only 18 years old when this film was made. Michael Nouri is great as well. This film also has an incredible soundtrack and the title song is one of my favorites. The story is one that any dancer can relate to. Before I go to an audition I always try to watch the end scene in this film or listen to the song "What a Feeling." I absolutely adore this film and I hope that many young dancers will enjoy it too.
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