Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing

Dirty Dancing

1987Movie100 minEnglish

Expecting the usual tedium that accompanies a summer in the Catskills with her family, 17-year-old Frances 'Baby' Houseman is surprised to find herself stepping into the shoes of a professional hoofer—and unexpectedly falling in love.

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Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes44%
Metacritic43/100
Google Users84%
Director: Emile ArdolinoGenres: Drama, Music, Romance

Plot Summary

In the summer of 1963, 17-year-old Frances 'Baby' Houseman is on vacation with her wealthy family at a Catskills resort. She unexpectedly falls for Johnny Castle, the resort's dance instructor, who comes from a different background. Their budding romance and passionate dance routines challenge social norms and their own preconceived notions.

Critical Reception

Dirty Dancing was a surprise box office smash, becoming a cultural phenomenon. While critics were initially divided, its infectious soundtrack, iconic dance sequences, and romantic storyline resonated strongly with audiences, leading to enduring popularity and a dedicated cult following.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its energetic dance numbers and romantic chemistry between the leads.
  • Criticized by some for its predictable plot and melodramatic elements.
  • Celebrated for its empowering portrayal of female sexuality and rebellion.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly loved the film's iconic soundtrack, the passionate romance between Baby and Johnny, and the memorable dance sequences. Many appreciate its nostalgic 1960s setting and feel-good message.

Awards & Accolades

Won an Academy Award for Best Original Song ('(I've Had) The Time of My Life'). Nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Fun Fact

The iconic "lift" scene in the lake was difficult to film, and Patrick Swayze actually injured his knee during rehearsals. The take used in the movie was one of his last attempts, done quickly before his knee gave out completely.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

5 reviews
r96sk

r96sk

Pretty iconic. Not sure how I hadn't logged this until now, given it's a film I watched quite a bit growing up due to it being my mum's favourite movie. Better late than never! <em>'Dirty Dancing'</em> is entertaining - cheesy, but enter...
Andre Gonzales

Andre Gonzales

An ok movie. A lot of cheesy parts that I didn't like. I did like the dancing and the love story. I guess it was better at that time.
testr

testr

A pretty simplistic film with a plot that's more of an excuse to show dance scenes and an extremely surface level handling of the issues of gender and class that it raises, but it's pretty cute and also I'm bisexual so I like it anyway.
Wuchak

Wuchak

Entertaining hit with lush Appalachian locations, but the writing doesn't respect the intelligence of the viewer RELEASED IN 1987 and directed by Emile Ardolino, "Dirty Dancing" stars Patrick Swayze as Johnny Castle, a working-class da...
talisencrw

talisencrw

This was schmaltzy but decent and could have been a lot worse. Normally I run from this sort of film like the plague but Patrick Swayze's recent death and me greatly enjoying 'Point Break' recently made me want to check out another one of h...