Flashdance, the era-defining 1983 film produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Adrian Lyne, is now streaming on Netflix in the UK. Fans have taken to social media to hail the movie as a 'milestone movie' and a 'heartwarming classic' that earned its place in history.
Plot and Cast
The film stars Jennifer Beals as Alex, an 18-year-old welder in Pittsburgh who moonlights as a cabaret dancer but dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer. Michael Nouri co-stars as Nick, her boss who becomes her older boyfriend. The romantic drama is famous for its popular soundtrack and dance numbers, often categorized as a musical.
Oscar and Chart Success
Flashdance won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for its title song 'Flashdance… What A Feeling', sung by Irene Cara, which reached number one on the Billboard charts in May 1983. Other songs include 'Maniac', 'Lady, Lady, Lady', and 'Manhunt'. Laura Branigan's 1982 hit 'Gloria' was used in a pivotal scene but not included on the official soundtrack.
Box Office Triumph Despite Critical Dismissal
Despite mixed reviews—with critic Roger Ebert placing it on his 'most hated' list in 2005 alongside films like 'Staying Alive' and 'Armageddon'—Flashdance was a surprise box office smash. It grossed $201.5 million (£151.8m) on a budget of just $7 million (£5.2m), making it the third highest-grossing movie of 1983 in the US behind 'Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi' and 'Tootsie'.
MTV and Cultural Impact
Much of its success is attributed to how the film presented its songs as self-contained music videos, allowing MTV to air segments as music videos—a wildly popular new concept at the time—providing free promotion. While the media dismissed it as 'crudely made' and 'one of the shallowest things you will ever see', audiences have had the last laugh.
Fan Reactions
Fans have praised the film online. Nicholas W called it a 'fun 80s feelgood movie' with strong vibes and great shots. Another fan wrote a five-star review saying: 'This is such an underrated 80s classic. The story is super good, the acting is amazing, music is catchy, and the story is very emotional and well done. I highly recommend this movie.' Arby W argued: 'Forty years later, good or bad doesn’t even apply. You watch this like you go see the Mona Lisa…not because you like it or not, but because of its place in history!' He added: 'THIS was the milestone movie where critics rightly pointed out that it was the first movie length ‘music video’ ala the brand-new cultural phenomenon, MTV.'
Awards and Recognition
Despite quality concerns, Flashdance received four Academy Award nominations and four BAFTA Film Award nominations, recognizing its music, editing, sound, and cinematography. Its five Golden Globe nods included Best Picture and Best Actress for Beals in the musical or comedy category. The American Film Institute included 'Flashdance… What A Feeling' at number 55 on its 2004 list 'AFI’s 100 Years…100 Songs'.
Legacy and Adaptations
In 2008, Flashdance was adapted as a stage musical, premiering at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth. Jennifer Lopez and Geri Halliwell borrowed extensively from the film's climactic audition scene for their music videos 'I’m Glad' (2002) and 'It’s Raining Men' (2001), respectively.
Other Netflix Additions
Netflix has also recently added brand-new rom-coms 'Office Romance' (starring Jennifer Lopez) and 'Voicemails for Isabelle', as well as the Renée Zellweger horror film 'Case 39' for those seeking something 'gleefully gruesome'.
