Customer Reviews

Vision Quest

5 star:		(56)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

...and I was not a wrestler -- in fact, I rather disliked the sport growing up! What makes this one of the greatest movies, besides the brilliant casting, directing, music and of course, acting; is the way it moves your emotions. If you don't feel complete euphoria after watching this film, you don't have a pulse either. Call it a cult classic, or a relic of the past -- however it gets categorized -- it will go down in history as an inspiring, true-to-life portrayal of youth and passion and the quest for success. Not a single scene in this movie is flawed or unbelievable -- a truly remarkable...yes...masterpiece.

I confess; I am a wrestler and that probably biases me slightly. No matter, I love this movie. My wrestling coach showed our team this movie my sophomore year in high school, and I have loved it ever since. Truly, before I seen this movie I thought no one understood how we felt--the feeling of sacrificing so much and receiving so little in return. The blood, sweat, and tears (literally) that came along with such a demanding sport, along with the joy, comradery and lasting friendships developed through sweat all come together in this movie. There are dozens of football, basketball, and baseball movies, but now we have something to call our own. Something we can watch that reminds us of how we used to be. If you have ever worked hard or sacrificed for anything in your life, you should not only understand this movie, but should love it.

Vision Quest is a flawed movie, but also a movie that transcends its flaws with the emotional power of many of its scenes. One of the great movies of "coming of age" with one of the great, fully rendered male youths I've seen in this type of movie. The sex is handled very realistically, without romanticizing or simplifying Modine's character.

I think the thing that makes this movie so memorable is the soundtrack, and the use of the soundtrack. Youth movie directors of today should refer back to this movie to see the power of song used in the right way, not just to promote a CD. This movie makes me believe in the yearning of youth and what you can accomplish and the complexities of becoming a man. It also makes me remember a time when songs really had impact. The soundtrack is still available today, that should tell you something. Even the Journey song rings true, as incredible as that may seem.

On the rental version of this movie, the back cover presents this movie as a "feel good" film. I don't agree. It is an inspiring movie, but also achingly real and sad. There isn't really a happy ending, it is more like a snapshot in time. The hero, Matt Modine, doesn't sail off in the sunset with a girl. What you are left with is more of a snapshot of a time to remember, a time that is in retrospect too short- but a time that had such possibility and hope that you would never ever want to forget it.

'Vision Quest' is a brilliant film for two reasons. The character of "Louden Swain" as portrayed by Matthew Modine captures the raw power and motivation to attain his ultimate goal. Swain is a man who will stop at nothing to lose thirty pounds to wrestle Brian Shute. Many people who have never wrestled appreciate this film for it's honest portrayal of youth and inspiration. I as a wrestler appreciate the presence of brutalness and pure pleasure that Louden exemplifies for his wrestling. Harold Becker who has directed films like "Malice" and "City Hall" knows how to convey the power of wrestling in this film. Most wrestlers will be appalled at the inaccuracies of scoring and unrealistic moves used in the film. But, this is Hollywood is you want to see a real match go see one. "Vision Quest' is for now and will always be a cult classic to every person that appreciates the sport. Let's be happy wrestling at least has a film this well done to portray the excitement of this incredible sport.

This one is a very sweet and encouraging movie. I got the DVD free with the audio CDs I ordered. First time in my life it happened that I found the free stuff better than the one I paid money for.

The movie is a lot different than the kind of ones we see now. It has a message, something which movies made in this era lacks. Matthew Modine plays the role perfectly, so did Linda Fiorentino. I also ordered the audio soundtrack of this movie, as all the tracks in the movie are worth listening!

I have shown this movie to most of my friends and relatives, and not one of them found it not worth watching. In fact, they borrowed the DVD several times. However, the DVD has no additional features, subtitles, or menu options. Five stars from me!

I'm really hoping that they re-release this movie soon. In terms of the Rocky-esque movies, this is one of the better ones. I liked it even better the second time around because I noticed just how realistic Modine's performance is not only as a wrestler, but also as a highschooler.

The problem with the DVD is that (1) the transfer is positively awful, (2)it's standard as opposed to widescreen (not a big issue in this case), and (3) there are no features. The main problem, of course, is with the quality of the transfer, which probably looks better on some VHS versions of the film.

Re-release this into a more non-hurried DVD format and this rating will go from 3 stars to at least 4.

On the surface, this is the story of a high school wrestler. But the story goes so much deeper. While I, like many others, were drawn to this movie because of the wrestling theme, I found it to be an amazing story about growing up, and about life as a teenager in America. The book was better, but the film takes you through a full range of emotions and leaves you feeling good at the end.

Since most of the people submitting reviews here are wrestlers, ex-wrestlers, or are associated with wrestling, it is very easy to have a biased point of view towards this movie. While some people critique the screenplay or acting, those that enjoy it are looking past the acting and into the theme of the movie.

After reading the book, it becomes evident that the movie is quite different. While the book focuses on growing up ("coming of age") and life, the movie focuses more on the wrestling aspect, obviously to appeal to the masses. I'd say the book was more award-winning material, while the movie was more inspirational. Wrestling, although a big part of Louden Swain's life, was not as overpowering in the book. The book was not about wrestling per se, but about life and growing up. The movie concentrated on the wrestling aspect more which makes it an excellent motivator. Despite the sometimes mediocre screenplay, this movie is a classic to wrestlers because it shows that the human spirit will overcome all. It accurately portrays the blood, guts, and tears that accompany an athlete involved in the sport. As another reviewer commented, the "Rocky" for wrestlers. A definite recommendation to all wrestlers.

I'm really hoping that they re-release this movie soon. In terms of the Rocky-esque movies, this is one of the better ones. I liked it even better the second time around because I noticed just how realistic Modine's performance is not only as a wrestler, but also as a highschooler.

The problem with the DVD is that (1) the transfer is positively awful, (2)it's standard as opposed to widescreen (not a big issue in this case), and (3) there are no features. The main problem, of course, is with the quality of the transfer, which probably looks better on some VHS versions of the film.

Re-release this into a more non-hurried DVD format and this rating will go from 3 stars to at least 4.

OK, you dont have to have been a wrestler to enjoy this movie. If you were, you'll give this 5 stars, if you werent you'll give it a solid 4 for the humor, nostalgia, and the soundtrack featuring Madonna, Journey, and one hit wonder Red Ryder's "Lunatic Fringe."

Modine plays Louden Swain, an ambitious senior wrestler with lofty goals who "almost went the distance" his first year who decides that dropping 2 weight classes to wrestle the beast multi-state champ Shute is part of his master plan for world domination. Not everybody is down with his plan, but the affable Modine eventually wins everybody over while being mentored by his philsophic chef pal who gives one of the most stirring pep talks on the subject of soccer you are ever likely to hear. Linda Fiorentino drops in as a house guest to further fuel Louden's testosterone driven urges and incent him to make his goals a reality which IMHO is true film greatness.

Fans hunger for another 5, 10, 15 minutes following the ultimate showdown between Louden and Shute but I personally think the film ends on que. Its terrific, and shows few signs of age even with the smarmy 80's pop ringing in the background. A minor masterpiece. 5 Elmos