Review of Pretty in Pink (1986) by Brittany E — 25 Sep 2009

It's hard to write anything bad about Pretty In Pink. Like someone you love, even their flaws make them more perfect. With this film, the same is true.

John Hughes captured what it was to be young in the 80's. The characters in his gen X movies held the spirit of the difficult leap from child to sexual maturity. Although I was 10 years too young to relate when I first saw PIP, the picture painted of kisses, crushes and fashion yet to come in my step into to adulescence was tinglesomely exciting.

Through Molly Ringwald, Hughes created my heroine, and for my brother, his first crush. Her iconic red hair made him puppy eyed and even remembering that makes me smile with nostalgia. Hazy hot summmers of the 80's, pastels, plastic beads and layered big blown hairstyles.

Pretty In Pink is not hughes best take on the coming of age cliche. In my opinion, The Breakfast Club is, but that may be due to the huge crush I had on Judd Nelson. Nontheless, its my close second.

The pink dress-making scene alone changed me forever and was the first occasion I can remember when I realised that design was where I wanted to head. Of course it has more charms than that; messages, morals and hopes. More than anything, you feel what it feels to be a teenager, whatever age you are, you are straight back there. A great filmmaker can capture an era, and thats Hughes did and should be credited for.

So, Pretty In Pinky, classic plot straight from Romeo and Juliet, she's not welcome in his world- he's not accepted in her's. Different ending of course and in the end love conquers all. Molly plays Andy who as a teenage/female rolemodel, you cant beat. Andrew Mccarthy, the dashingly rich sensitive guy comes in and steals her heart. swooon.

-and Duckie! Who didnt love Duckie? My hero.

A film glazed in my favourite colour, with a soundtrack which forces you to reminisce. The agony and ecstasy of being young and in love when every girl gets caught 'wishful make-uping'.

A decade on from my school years, one line in the film captures the feeling that pretty leaves;.

''Why can't we start old and get younger''.

Right on.