To say I’m a lover of the 80’s would be an understatement. The music, the movies and yes most of the time the fashion. But back to the movies, there are so many iconic 80’s movies, far to many to name so I’d thought I’d give my Top 5 that I recommend you check out.
Number 5
Indiana Jones and the Raider of the Lost Ark
The first film on my list may have been related in 1981 but it was set in 1937 when archaeologist Indiana Jones, played by Harrison Ford is quested to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis who are on the same mission to obtain its powers. This is the first film in the Indiana Jones series and as everyone knows I love an original. We are quickly introduced to the iconic character that is Indy and how he’s pretty much just Harrison Ford if he was an archaeologist and its just brilliant. This segways well into my favourite scene in which Indy and Marion are being chased by the enemy. They get split up and when Indy is trying to find Marion he is met by a trained swordsman who is ready to duel. Indy meets this by taking his gun and striking the swordsman down. What makes this scene even better is that there was a whole sword fight choreographed and whether Harrison Ford forgot it or just couldn’t be bothered either way he felt his best direction would be to use his gun, which was then used in the film and I just feel its a brilliant way for Harrison Ford to bring that bit more of himself into the character.
Number 4
Dirty Dancing
Released in 1987, Dirty Dancing is another film set years before its release. Set in 1963 we follow Baby Houseman on her family vacation where her life changes forever and she experiences her first love. Jennifer Grey stars along side Patrick Swayze as Johnny, a bad boy professional dancer who works at the resort, Baby and her family stay at and catches her eye. Now I can guarantee its very hard to find someone who hasn’t seen this film, or who doesn’t know the iconic catchphrases about Watermelons and Corners but if you do happen to have never come across the film I would highly recommend as its an easy and incredibly entertaining watch. My favourite scene is the montage where Johnny and Baby are first learning the dance and we get to see the progress Baby makes throughout.
Number 3
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Third on the list is a 1986 film about a high schooler who fancies a day off school. Now I know it doesn’t sound that exciting but there’s a reason its on my list. Matthew Broderick plays the charismatic, cheeky Ferris Bueller who somehow manages to have everything go his way, despite his sister and his school principle hell bent on exposing him for lying about being ill. His day off is spent with his girlfriend Sloane and his best friend Cameron exploring New York and just trying to have some fun before they graduate. There is no way you’ll be able to watch this film without a smile on your face. Now when it comes to picking a favourite scene its nearly impossible, whether its the iconic parade scene, or when Cameron is on the phone to Mr Rooney there are plenty to choose from. However my favourite has to be the opening monologue, we are straight away introduced to Ferris’ character and are given one of my favourite quotes “Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while you could miss it.” Which is something I think we could all live by.
Number 2
Return of the Jedi
Let’s be honest it would be very hard for me to make this list and not include a Star Wars film. This time however is Return of the Jedi. This is the last of the original trilogy in which the Rebels take down the Empire once and for all. We are given plenty of answers to the questions we were left with in The Empire Strikes Back. Is Darth Vader Lukes father? What’s happened to Han? Who is the other Skywalker? From start to end its captivating and just brilliant and a reason it is deemed a classic. My favourite scene is the battle of Endor, its the last big battle of the trilogy and let’s be honest is full of so many iconic moments.
Number 1
Top Gun
Finally in at Number 1 is the film that shot Tom Cruise into stardom. Top Gun! It follows students of the US navy as the compete to be the best at flight school that has earned the nickname Top Gun. Our main character Maverick is known for being a reckless, chancer who isn’t known for following the rules, him and his co pilot and best friend Goose are the ultimate team and determined to being named number one. I do think one of the reasons I love this film so much is Maverick and Gooses friendship. They both know the other incredibly well and you can help but smile when they share the screen. My favourite scene is the first scene where we are introduced to Charlie, Mavericks love interest in the film. Goose and Maverick lead the bar in a rendition of “You’ve lost that loving feeling” which earns him a drink with Charlie.
Cinema & Chapters by Peggy 