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Absolute Beginners

1986Movie1 h 48 minPG-13

DramaMusic
59
DecentGoodWatch score
IMDb5.6Metacritic606.4Rotten Tomatoes73%38%

A romantic, nostalgic drama movie about history and pop culture, with standout score and world-building.

Good for date night · friends night · party vibe

Where to watch

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Not streaming in United States. Where it is:

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Not for scares or laughs.

Movies with

Story

Welcome to the world of your dreams!

A musical adaptation of Colin MacInnes' novel about life in late 1950s London. Nineteen-year-old photographer Colin is hopelessly in love with model Crepe Suzette, but her relationships are strictly connected with her progress in the fashion world. So Colin gets involved with a pop promoter and tries to crack the big time. Meanwhile, racial tension is brewing in Colin's Notting Hill housing estate...

Feels like

  • 1950s London Musical
  • Youth Culture Drama
  • Racial Tension
  • Fashion & Pop Music
  • Coming-of-Age Story
  • Social Commentary
  • Stylized Visuals
  • Vibrant Soundtrack
  • Romantic Struggles

Cast

24 of 35

Crew

Directed by
Julien Temple
Written by
Richard Burridge, Don MacPherson, Christopher Wicking
Produced by
Stephen Woolley, Chris Brown
Music by
David Bowie, Julien Temple, Ray Davies

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

April 4, 1986 · 1 h 48 min · PG-13

Released
April 4, 1986
Runtime
1 h 48 min
Age rating
PG-13
Content
Violence, Strong Language
Genres
Drama, Music, Romance
Original language
English
Made in
United Kingdom
Available in
8 countries

Tropes

Comically Missing the Point, Lipstick Lesbian, No Celebrities Were Harmed +9

  • Comically Missing the Point
  • Lipstick Lesbian
  • No Celebrities Were Harmed
  • Disney Acid Sequence
  • Anachronism Stew
  • Seven Deadly Sins
  • Teen Idol
  • Actor Allusion
  • Evil Plan
  • Very Loosely Based on a True Story
  • Enemy Mine
  • The Oner

12 of 22 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

5 questions, like "Where can I stream Absolute Beginners?"

Questions about Absolute Beginners

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Absolute Beginners?

It streams in 3 other countries, but not in the United States.

Is Absolute Beginners worth watching?

59
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 59 (IMDb 5.6, Rotten Tomatoes 73%, and Metacritic 60). Critics rate it higher (67 out of 100) than audiences (53).

Is Absolute Beginners okay for kids?

PG-13ViolenceStrong language

Not for young kids: it's rated PG-13 in the United States for violence and strong language, and the viewing guide lists it for teens and adults.

Is Absolute Beginners good for date night?

and 2 moreDate NightPartner WatchAdultsFriends NightParty Vibe

Yes: romance is 8 of 10, and the viewing guide lists it for date night.

What tropes does Absolute Beginners use?

Comically Missing the PointLipstick LesbianNo Celebrities Were HarmedDisney Acid SequenceAnachronism StewSeven Deadly SinsTeen IdolActor AllusionEvil PlanVery Loosely Based on a True StoryEnemy MineThe Onerand 10 more

TV Tropes lists 22 tropes for it, including Comically Missing the Point, Lipstick Lesbian, and No Celebrities Were Harmed.