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Beaches
1988 123 min United States of America PG-13 12+
★6.8
Comedy, Drama
Director: Garry Marshall
📖 Based on the novel
«Beaches»
byIris Rainer Dart
Trailers
Description
A privileged rich debutante and a cynical struggling entertainer share a turbulent, but strong childhood friendship over the years.
Budget:
$20M
US Gross:
$57.04M
Worldwide:
$57.04M
Starring
Bette Midler
Actor
Barbara Hershey
Actor
John Heard
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1989
— Best Production Design
Key opinion
Beaches is a polarizing melodrama that resonates deeply with audiences for its heartfelt portrayal of a lifelong female friendship, while critics often dismiss it as manipulative or superficial. While the film is praised for its emotional power and the chemistry between its leads, it is also criticized for its uneven pacing and perceived lack of psychological depth.
| Acting | Bette Midler anchors the film with a magnetic and emotionally resonant performance that effectively transitions between comedic and dramatic tones. | |
| Theme | The film succeeds as a poignant exploration of female friendship, capturing the complexities of conflict, envy, and reconciliation over a lifetime. | |
| Score | The musical numbers provide a soulful and evocative backdrop, with Bette Midler's performance of key songs serving as a highlight for many viewers. | |
| Pacing | The film's pacing is a subject of debate; some find it a moving, full-life journey, while others view it as a rushed, superficial summary of events that hampers character development. | |
| Emotion | Critical and audience reception is divided between those who find the film a touching, genuine tearjerker and those who criticize it for being overly manipulative and lacking in psychological substance. |