Customer Reviews:

0 out of 0 people found the following review helpful
Customer Id: A3IHS0QHS4CJBH 2008-10-20
 
Review Summary: Hidden depths in this pop culture classic
 
Review Content: Dirty Dancing is one of those movies that you either love or hate. Watching it again over 20 years after its first release, it was funny this time around to register a social and cultural subtext and to recognise what a macho thug Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) really was: after he has beaten up the preppy waiter Robbie Gould, Baby doesn't seem worried at all that he might one day turn his fist on her; in fact she cuddles him tenderly! Baby (Jennifer Grey) was more sexually assertive than I had remembered: it is she and not Johnny who initiates the movement of their relationship onto the next level by laying her romantic feelings bare. Their growing intimacy might have been socially unusual - an unworldly daughter with political ideals from a wealthy, privileged family and a tough and taciturn dancing instructor who has grown up in much poorer surroundings - but it is an electric one, with palpable on-screen chemistry.

There are some wincingly corny moments that have now become cult and some intentionally funny lines that I'd missed or forgotten since the first time around. Grey occasionally becomes too overdramatic in her acting (although others might say that she's only emphasizing Baby's naivity); Swayze remains on the side of credibility, carrying his lines with intensity even when he has to say things like, "It's okay. Johnny's here. I'm never gonna let anything happen to you". Although the character of Johnny took on certain clichés of traditional masculinity - the muscular protector who is strong and sensual but emotionally silent - he embodies a new kind of hero since the classic roles are to a certain extent reversed: he is in the socially weaker position and aspires to develop Baby's qualities in himself, particularly her faith in personal and social change, as well as to be accepted and liked by her socially respected father.

It's sad to learn what the cast and crew have been up to since Dirty Dancing became a huge hit worldwide in the late 1980s. Many of them have now died, including the director Emile Ardolino (in 1993 of an AIDS-related illness), the actor who plays Robbie Gould (in 1991 of a heroin overdose) and Jerry Orbach who plays Baby's father (in 2004 of prostate cancer). The career of Jennifer Grey 'nosedived' after cosmetic surgery made her unrecognisable. Swayze went on to star in Ghost with Demi Moore, but could not shake off the brooding romantic tag that Dirty Dancing inevitably saddled him with. Following battles with alcoholism after the deaths of his father and manager as well as the suicide of his sister, he was diagnosed this year, as was widely reported, with pancreatic cancer.

This anniversary edition comes with some fascinating extras - the original trailer, interviews with key cast and crew members, a collection of goofs, and the original screen tests with Jennifer Grey.

 
 
 

0 out of 1 people found the following review helpful
Customer Id: A9PXTDRUWIL83 2008-08-20
 
Review Summary: the best chick flick ever!!!!!
 
Review Content: This has to be the best and original chick flick of my generation (36 years old).I can't believe though it is 21 years since I saw it at the cinema.The main actors are well cast although it is said they did not get on in real life.Anyone who enjoys a good love story good music and the ultimate last dance to "I've had the time of my life" should add this to their collection!!
 
 
 

0 out of 2 people found the following review helpful
Customer Id: A2UK72ACPSHLWI 2008-04-25
 
Review Summary: Fab DVD with extras
 
Review Content: Just received this DVD from Amazon - couldn't wait to see it as I have just seen the show in London.

I loved it all - it brought back a lot of memories.

It is a chick flick but my hubby enjoyed it too.

Definitely worth buying.
 
 
 

1 out of 2 people found the following review helpful
Customer Id: A3K31XXZCHMA3L 2008-03-27
 
Review Summary: Despite the fact that I am a bloke, I thought it was alright
 
Review Content: Dirty Dancing has the reputation among blokes up and down the country as the film that your girlfriend will one day compel you watch. So it was that a full 11 years after seeing (and hating) it on a coach on a school trip, I relented and ordered the film for my fiancee for Valentines Day to earn some serious brownie points. I sat down with a large drink and braced myself for what I remembered to be a purile chick flick. However, it was quite alright in the end.

First of all, I firmly believe that while everyone has favourite genres of films, the best examples from each genre should be of interest to all film buffs. For example, I generally don't like musicals, but I do like Singing in the Rain. Yes, Dirty Dancing is a hard core chick flick, but it's one of the best chick flicks ever (if not quite as good as When Harry Met Sally). Ultimately, the plot is enjoyable, the acting is quite good with a feel good factor. Would I watch it over and over? No. But I am a guy and I still liked it, if not quite loving it.

So, in summing up, women will probably love it (I have yet to meet one who didn't). But for blokes, when your girlfriend does force you to sit through it, don't be surprised if you like it as well. As chick flicks go, its good, and certainly beats being forced to sit through America's Next Top Model or Big Brother or many other girly films. And with the inevitable Brownie points you are bound to earn it makes it a very worthwhile purchase.
 
 
 

0 out of 1 people found the following review helpful
Customer Id: A55T7UROFW5M1 2008-03-07
 
Review Summary: I've Had The Time Of My Life!
 
Review Content: Dirty Dancing is a brilliant film! Patrick Swayze is great and sexy as Johnny and Jennifer Grey is good as Baby, they work so well together! I first this for the first time when I was 12 and Patrick was my older man crush, I still love him today! This film is always going to be brilliant no matter how many times I see it! The best chick film EVER! And the ending always makes you cry! Worth the money! Buy it NOW!!!!!!!!!