“Beaches” is a 1988 film about two women who become best friends and support each other through life’s ups and downs. Their friendship is like a rollercoaster, with highs and lows, but ultimately they have each other’s backs. Through laughter and tears, they learn the true meaning of friendship and the importance of cherishing those we love.
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Review
In 1988, a movie was released that would go on to become a cultural icon. The film was “Beaches”, and it followed the story of two women, CC Bloom and Hillary Whitney, as they navigated their way through life’s ups and downs.
The movie was based on the novel of the same name by Iris Rainer Dart, but it was the on-screen chemistry between Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey that made audiences fall in love with the story.
The plot revolves around CC (Midler), an aspiring singer who meets Hillary (Hershey) on a beach in Atlantic City. The two become fast friends, despite their vastly different backgrounds. CC is loud and brash, while Hillary is reserved and refined.
As they grow up together, their friendship is tested by jealousy, misunderstandings, and distance. They both pursue successful careers – CC as a singer and actress, Hillary as a lawyer – but they always find their way back to each other when they need support or guidance.
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when CC performs “Wind Beneath My Wings” at Hillary’s funeral. The song became an instant classic, winning both an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy Award for Song of the Year.
But “Beaches” is more than just a tear-jerking drama with a catchy tune. It’s a testament to the power of female friendship. In an industry that often pits women against each other in competition, it’s refreshing to see two women who genuinely love and support each other through thick and thin.
The film also touches on important themes like loss, forgiveness, and redemption. When Hillary discovers she has terminal illness later in life, she turns to her old friend for comfort. Despite their rocky past, CC puts aside her own ambitions to care for Hillary in her final days.
The performances by Midler and Hershey are what truly make “Beaches” a masterpiece. Midler captures CC’s vivacious spirit and vulnerability with ease, while Hershey brings depth to the reserved Hillary. Their chemistry is palpable, and their emotional bond is undeniable.
The supporting cast also shines in their roles, from John Heard as CC’s love interest to Lainie Kazan as her overbearing stage mother.
Director Garry Marshall (who went on to direct hits like “Pretty Woman” and “The Princess Diaries”) expertly weaves together the film’s themes and storylines. The beach scenes are particularly breathtaking, capturing the essence of summer with soft lighting and whimsical music.
Despite its critical acclaim and popularity with audiences, “Beaches” received mixed reviews from some critics. Some argued that the film was overly sentimental or predictable. But for many viewers, those qualities are what made it so beloved.
Over 30 years after its release, “Beaches” continues to hold a special place in people’s hearts. It’s become a cultural touchstone for female friendship and female-led films in general.
As Bette Midler once said of the movie: “It has an ending that will make even the toughest customer well up…It’s funny when it needs to be funny; it’s moving when it needs to be moving; and there’s this totally wacky relationship between two women.”
For those who haven’t seen it before, “Beaches” is a must-watch classic that will leave you feeling both heartbroken and uplifted.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 123
- Release : 1988-12-21
- Genre : Comedy, Drama
- Cast : Bette Midler as CC Bloom, Barbara Hershey as Hillary Whitney Essex, John Heard as John Pierce, Spalding Gray as Dr. Richard Milstein, Lainie Kazan as Leona Bloom
- Crew : Garry Marshall as Director, Richard Halsey as Editor, Georges Delerue as Original Music Composer, Dante Spinotti as Director of Photography, Teri Schwartz as Executive Producer
- Popularity 10.825
- Budget : $20,000,000
- Revenue : $57,041,866
- Company : Touchstone Pictures, All Girl Productions, Silver Screen Partners IV
- Summary : A privileged rich debutante and a cynical struggling entertainer share a turbulent, but strong childhood friendship over the years.
- Tagline : Some Friendships Last Forever
