Dirty Dancing (I) (1987)
7/10
Very Memorable Film, Timeless
28 July 2010
In the 1960s, during a family summer getaway, Frances "Baby" Houseman (Jennifer Grey) meets dancer Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) and falls hard for him... with his bad reputation and her father (Jerry Orbach) being a reputable doctor, what will become of this relationship?

"Dirty Dancing" is one of the quintessential films of the 1980s. If you grew up in the 80s, you probably saw this film a dozen times. I know I did. I recall seeing it again and again in the summer of 1992, and have returned to it many times since.

Patrick Swayze should not be underestimated, and this is one of the cornerstones of his career (along with "Ghost" and "Road House"). And Jennifer Grey is 1980s through and through -- aside from this and "Feris Bueller", what can you say for her?

But the film has charm, is very quotable, and despite delving into some questionable territory (both ethical and political questions are hinted at) it is at its heart a family values film: daughter growing up and a father who loves and supports her maturity and independence.
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