Vision Quest (1985)

58% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
70% of users liked it
(6,578 ratings)

According to high school wrestler Matthew Modine, a spiritual "Vision Quest" is necessary for him to decide his future. Thus, Modine starts behaving in a manner that amazes even himself. The crowning achievement of Modine's new outlook on life is his romance with 21-year-old artist Linda Fiorentino.… More According to high school wrestler Matthew Modine, a spiritual "Vision Quest" is necessary for him to decide his future. Thus, Modine starts behaving in a manner that amazes even himself. The crowning achievement of Modine's new outlook on life is his romance with 21-year-old artist Linda Fiorentino. Somehow, all of this boils down to the standard "underdog makes good at crucial sports event" finale. Essentially Rocky and Breaking Away redux, Vision Quest is saved by the spirited performances of its young protagonists. Of historical value is the brief appearance by Madonna, whose voice is heard throughout on the film's music track. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 39 min.
Directed By: Harold Becker
Genres: Drama, Romance

In Theaters: Feb 15, 1985 Wide
On DVD: Jun 1, 2004
Studio: Warner Home Video

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Its saving grace is the understated and uncanny performance by Modine.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
sappy but enjoyable
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Matthew Modine's affecting performance makes the coming-of-age flick click.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

I heard that Madonna was in this movie, but actually you just see her as a singer at a club in one scene. Anyway, this is a predictable sports romance movie, that tries to be like The Graduate at times. A couple of good scenes, but mostly boring.
Cassie H

A really sweet and a romantic story about a teenage wrestler who is 18 falling in love with a woman who's three years older than him. Loved how Louden never gave up no matter what, and how he didn't lose his friendship with Mr. Tanneran. Awesome music in this movie also!!!… More
A really sweet and a romantic story about a teenage wrestler who is 18 falling in love with a woman who's three years older than him. Loved how Louden never gave up no matter what, and how he didn't lose his friendship with Mr. Tanneran. Awesome music in this movie also!!! Watch It!!!!! Just fantastic!!! Love it!!! A great sports movie!!! :) Just great! :)
Sarah P

I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. I initially bought it for Madonna's short appearance, but the story was pretty good as well.
Donna D

Great soundtrack to this classic tale of High school wrestling, and the first time love of Louden Swain, played by the adorable Mathew Modine. It is a chick flick with the sweet story of his ambition to beat the top wrestler in his county, and how he struggles to prove he can take on… More
Great soundtrack to this classic tale of High school wrestling, and the first time love of Louden Swain, played by the adorable Mathew Modine. It is a chick flick with the sweet story of his ambition to beat the top wrestler in his county, and how he struggles to prove he can take on this goal and to also prove that he can find romance in an older woman played by Linda Fiorentino, although he has tough times reaching what he wants. Just one of them go getter movies, that has you cheering for him. A cute movie, but made for the young teenagers or the ones that want to relive the 80's. ;) With the opening music from Journey, this also has an awesome soundtrack to make the movie more better. :D
Moe E

This may be more of a "Guy's Flick", but it was one of those great 80's movies w/ a killer soundtrack, which includes Journey, Red Ryder and Madonna.

Cast

            Matthew Modine as Louden Swain

            Linda Fiorentino as Carla

            Michael Schoeffling as Kuch

            Ronny Cox as Mr. Swain/Louden's Dad

            Harold Sylvester as Tanneran

            Charles Hallahan as Coach

            J.C. Quinn as Elmo

            Daphne Zuniga as Margie Epstein

            Frank Jasper as Shute

            Roberts Blossom as Grandpa

            James Gammon as Kuch's Dad

            Jana Marie Hupp as Sally

            Gary Kasper as Otto

            Raphael Sbarge as Schmoozler

            R.H. Thomson as Kevin

            Madonna as Special Appearance

            Forest Whitaker as Bulldozer

            Jay Bonnett as Thompson Teammate

            Tony Christianson as Thompson Teammate

            Ted Collins as Thompson Teammate

            Darrell Briggs as Referee

            Tom Elkins as Announcer

            Judith Hansen as Elsie

            David Haugen as Student Manager

            Kevin Kahl Lease as Exercise Leader

            Fred Miles as Louden's Opponent

            Sean Morgan as Injured Salesman

            Ken Pelo as Hoover Team Coach

            Paul Spangenberg as Thompson Medic

            Cash Stone as Official

            Nancy Klopper
            
            Andrew Shue
            
See full cast