An outcast high school girl Andie, who comes from the wrong side of town doesn't really mind this state of affairs until one day the rich and handsome Blane asks her out on a date. Their friends on different sides of the social strata strongly disapprove of this union. Despite their concerns, the pair go on a date and it is a total disaster. Blane takes Andie to a very posh pal's party where the snobs snub her and she is embarrassed to let Blane know what poor circumstances she is from. Is such derision from the upperclass likely to impede her relationship with Blane? Or will Andie recognise her friend Duckie's eternal love for her? Pretty In Pink is particularly celebrated for its soundtrack which is a virtual Who's Who guide to any band or singer that was ever super cool in the 1980s. Yet another John Hughes movie, the director is particularly sensitive in handling the issues of class that arise in the film. Blane is not just a typical obnoxious spoilt rich boy - he has a bit more substance than all of his irritating posh pals. Andie may be wearing horrible 1980s fashion but she is a likeable girl. Moreover, we really feel the pain of Duckie yearning for Andie. Duckie is by far and away the best thing about the movie but he is challenged in the greatness stakes by Andie's co worker Iona, a punk who gives her great advice on her love life and is hilarious with it. The acting is impeccable from an ever reliable Mollie Ringwald and props must also go to Jon Cryer as Duckie. We felt every last ounce of his angst. Only slightly marred by a weak ending, Hughes - again - doesn't put much of a foot wrong here.
My first film watched was Carrie aged 2 on my dad's knee. Educated at The University of St Andrews and Trinity College Dublin. Fan of Arthouse, Exploitation, Horror, Euro Trash, Giallo, New French Extremism. Weaned at the bosom of a Russ Meyer starlet. The bleaker, artier or sleazier the better!
