Dirty Dancing

It's a movie best seen through the hazy amber filter of '80s nostalgia, and if you're watching it without those rose-colored glasses on, God help you.

I loved this movie. It seems to dream itself, as it tells the story of a young girl who comes alive in the summer of 1963.

What seems an enjoyable piece of fluff about a summer camp romance is, in its own quiet way, a powerful morality tale.

The dancing here brings out the sensual dreaminess of the songs. Dirty Dancing -- what a great title! -- is such a bubbleheaded, retro vision of growing up in the sixties (or any other time) that you go out of the theatre giggling happily.

If the ending of Eleanor Bergstein's script is too neat and inspirational, the rough energy of the film's song and dance does carry one along, past the whispered doubts of better judgment.

Although the plot is sometimes implausible, the movie's music, dancing and romantic spirit carry a lot of it. In addition, Dirty Dancing has the virtues of a female main character (a bit unusual in a coming-of-age movie) and an interesting setting.

“Dirty Dancing” is one of the only films from this era that depicts a girl’s embracing her sexual desire and agency—without regret.

The use of locations is another virtue that Dirty Dancing has on its side as you do come to feel at home in the resort and regret the fact that establishments like this disappeared.

The film is still an easy, classic watch that still tugs at the emotions at the end. Nobody puts Baby in the corner, indeed.

The recent US Supreme Court developments send us back to the dark side of 1987s Dirty Dancing and make it relevant again in 2022. Jennifer Grey's performance is what truly anchors this classic.