Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely beautiful and touching, November 24, 2001
This may very well be the saddest movie I have ever seen in my life, but it is also one of the best. If you have not seen it yet, I highly recommend that you do. It tells the story of two young women who meet when they are 11 years old. At a glance, they seem like two completely different people, but in the end, it's their strong devotion to their friendship that make them so close. Bette Midler does an excellent job in her portrayal as CC Bloom, a feisty redhead who is determined to succeed in music and will do almost anything to do so. Hilary Whitney, played by the talented Barbara Hershey, is a quiet, reserved woman who often finds herself jealous of CC's rising success. CC and Hilary may be very different, but they grow even closer when Hilary gives birth to a child--a beautiful little girl named Victoria. When Hilary becomes diagnosed with a fatal disease, she is forced to search her soul and strengthen her relationships with CC and Victoria. Throughout the movie, CC and Hilary go through many difficult times, but in the end, their friendship prevails. I definitely recommend this movie to everyone, but don't expect to have dry eyes at the end! It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will touch every piece of your heart. It really does show that even though two friends may be very different from one another, and even though they may go through a lot of rough times, it is the strength of their friendship that will be the decisive element. Go see this movie--you won't be sorry!
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful And Inspiring, August 2, 2001
Beaches is one of the best movies I have ever seen, it is one of my favorite. I have never seen such a captivating film about friends, and the trials and tribulations, the joys and fears, that go with the friendship. The music, is excellent. By far Bette's best music to date. On many tracks there is a resonance of sadness in each note. The standout obviously is the classic ballad "Wind Beneath My Wings", very uplifting, sad, but joyous at the same time. I sang it at a friend's funeral a few years ago. "Baby Mine", "The Friendship Theme" (instrumental) and "I Think It's Going To Rain Today" are all sad songs, that make you reflect on life (along with "Wind Beneath My Wings") and realize how precious and short our lives are, and how we shouldn't take it for granted. The fun side is shown through songs like "I've Still Got My Health" and "Otto Titsling". I also really like the cover of the Dolly Parton song "I Know You By Heart", its on Dolly's 1987 Rainbow album (out of print) and its a duet with Smokey Robinson. Overall though, this is a splendid album to listen to, its just brimming with quality material and talent. I also suggest you accompany this cd with the movie, absolutely a must see if you haven't seen it yet!
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18 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
classic tale of friendship still a fantastic movie, February 6, 2005
BEACHES, based on the novel by Iris Rainer Dart, is a fantastic and emotion-driven drama/comedy. Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey turn in fabulous fully-realised performances as two best friends who share an amazing relationship.
On the beach in Atlantic City, 11-year-olds CC Bloom and Hillary Whitney strike up a friendship that will endure beyond all obstacles. Through letters spanning the years, the two women vent their frustrations, hopes and dreams.
Bette Midler is mesmerising as the brash CC Bloom (the 'Otto Titsling' number is alone worth the price of admission). Barbara Hershey wisely downplays the role of Hillary though she never is upstaged by Midler.
Supporting roles from John Heard, Spalding Gray and Lainie Kazan (as CC's mother Leona) are right on target. Mayim Bialik (TV's "Blossom") plays the younger CC.
This film could have easily fallen into soapy melodrama thanks to it's plot, but the direction of Garry Marshall saves it from becoming too maudlin.
Still one fantastic movie!
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