Beaches

Beaches, directed by Allison Anders and released in 2017, is a touching and heartfelt remake of the 1988 classic film. This anniversary rendition provides a contemporary spin on the beloved tale of female friendship, with Idina Menzel and Nia Long leading the cast, along with the talented young actress, Sanai Victoria.

The central characters of Beaches are C.C. Bloom, a budding singer, and Hillary Whitney, an ambitious lawyer. Idina Menzel, widely recognized for her stellar performances in musical stage and the iconic voice of Elsa in Disney's Frozen, marvelously steps into the role of C.C. Bloom – originally played by Bette Midler in the 1988 film. Menzel not only appropriates the character given her background in music, but she also brings a certain vibrancy and charm that is wholly unique to her.

On the other hand, we have Nia Long, a seasoned performer with a string of commendable performances, featuring as Hillary Whitney – a character previously embodied by Barbara Hershey. Long admirably embraces the part of Hillary, adding depth and soul while creating a character who is strong, compassionate, and deserving of our complete empathy. Completing this circle is Sanai Victoria, a talented young actress, portraying the role of Hillary’s daughter.

The plot of Beaches is a poignant exploration of enduring friendship. It details the relationship between C.C. Bloom and Hillary Whitney, who meet under unexpected circumstances on a beach in Venice, CA, and form an unlikely yet strong bond. They hail from contrasting backgrounds, and their dreams and aspirations diverge just as much, but their shared experiences hold them together. As they grow older, they find that their paths continue to intersect, and their deep companionship stands tall against the tests of time and changing tides.

The story presents a compendium of life's array of experiences as viewed through the lens of a close-knit friendship. There, the viewer witnesses love and heartbreak, joy and sorrow, success and failure, and ultimately, life and death. But amidst these high points and low ebbs, the enduring bond of friendship remains the focal point. It is through this friendship that the narratives of the main characters and their evolution manifests.

Besides the compelling storyline and memorable performances, another aspect of Beaches sure to appeal to viewers is its musical score. Given that C.C. is a singer, music plays a significant role in the film. Idina Menzel, a talent in this area, brings a significant contribution to the movie's soundtrack. Her powerful and emotive vocal performances contribute to the overall emotional depth of the movie while redefining the artistic landscape of this updated classic.

In terms of visuals, Beaches is beautifully shot with the setting playing a significant part in the storytelling. The picturesque beaches, bustling cityscapes, and the warm and inviting interiors all seamlessly merge with the film's narrative, creating a beautiful backdrop that further engages the audience. The audience thus feel as though they are on a journey with C.C. and Hillary, experiencing their world and all its splendor, trials, and triumphs.

When it comes to directing, Allison Anders leaves no stone unturned in exploring the film’s emotional landscape. However, even in the darker parts of the narrative, Anders ensures to keep the film from dipping into an overly tragic or melancholic tone. The director strikes a perfect balance between the gritty realities and the silver linings, and in turn, encapsulates Beaches' spirit in the best way possible: a bittersweet but uplifting tale of female companionship.

Whilst Beaches is a remake, it doesn’t live in the shadow of the original film but rather carves its own niche, making it worth watching for both fans of the original version and newcomers alike. Given its themes of friendship and resilience, its engaging cast, and emotive storytelling, the film is a stirring tribute to the power of friendship and the journeys that life takes us on. Indeed, Beaches is a must-watch for those who enjoy heartfelt and powerful tales of relationships that stand the test of time.