Absolute Beginners

1986
PG-13
1h 48m

IMDb RATING

5.6/10

3.8K

YOUR RATING

David Bowie, Patsy Kensit, John Aron, Eddie O'Connell, and Sade in Absolute Beginners (1986)

In London in 1958, a young photographer seeks media stardom to keep the love of a beautiful, aspiring fashion designer.

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Classic Musical Teen Romance Drama Musical Romance

In London in 1958, a young photographer seeks media stardom to keep the love of a beautiful, aspiring fashion designer.In London in 1958, a young photographer seeks media stardom to keep the love of a beautiful, aspiring fashion designer.In London in 1958, a young photographer seeks media stardom to keep the love of a beautiful, aspiring fashion designer.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

5.6/10

3.8K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
The character of "Harry Charms" was based on a real-life British manager and impresario of the period, Larry Parnes, who was famous for hiring unknown singers and giving them extravagant stage names (his most famous client was Billy Fury). In 1960 he hired an unknown Liverpool band called The Beatles to accompany one of his lesser stars, Johnny Gentle, on a tour of Scotland, but he decided not to take the Beatles on as clients because he was only interested in handling solo singers, not groups.

Goofs
During the riot scenes, in one shot a double decker bus is on fire. In the next shot, it isn't burning. In the next shot, it is. (During the T.V. announcers speak to the viewing public about the 'race riots').

Quotes
Colin: What, selling things to people who don't want them?
Vendice: Never things, Colin. We don't sell things. We sell dreams.

Connections
Edited into Ray Davies: Quiet Life (1986)

Soundtracks
Santa Lucia
Performed and composed by Ekow Abban

User reviews56

Review

Featured review

7/10

A great journey through London

A fun musical with a lot of energy and great acting, 'Absolute Beginners' will win a place in your heart. This is the sharpest I've seen Bowie in a film, and Patsy Kensit was beautiful as Suzette. A political piece as well as a time piece, Temple captured the feel of a Broadway or West End musical perfectly. A great turnaround for Temple, who really had me worried after directing 'Mantrap'. It is a musical, so liberties have to be allowed, but for fans of the musical this is a great one to check out. Rating: 27/40