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Hairspray

6.3

2,717

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2 Related Movies

Remake:

Hairspray Live! (TV)

Remake:

Hairspray

Original title

Hairspray

Year

1988

Running time

87 min.

Country

United States

Director

John Waters

Screenwriter

John Waters

Cast

Music

Kenny Vance

Cinematography

David Insley

Producer

New Line Cinema

Genre

Musical. Comedy | 1960s. Racism. Dancing. Independent Film (US). Cult Movie

Synopsis

'Pleasantly Plump' teenager Tracy Turnblad achieves her dream of becoming a regular on the Corny Collins Dance Show. Now a teen hero, she starts using her fame to speak out for the causes she believes in, most of all integration. In doing so, she earns the wrath of the show's former star, Amber Von Tussle, as well as Amber's manipulative, pro-segregation parents. The rivalry comes to a head as Amber and Tracy vie for the title of Miss Auto Show 1963.

Awards: 1988: Independent Spirit Awards: 6 Nominations including Best Feature

1988: Sundance Film Festival: Nominated for Grand Jury Prize

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Critics' reviews

"Not only Waters's best movie, but a crossover gesture that expands his appeal without compromising his vision"

Jonathan Rosenbaum: Chicago Reader
"An entertainingly imbecilic musical comedy—a piece of pop dadaism"

Pauline Kael: The New Yorker
"A slight but often highly amusing diversion about integration, big girls' fashions and music-mad teens in 1962 Baltimore"

Variety Staff: Variety
"'Hairspray' shows that Baltimore is the natural home of twisted legends and gothic subversives: Edgar Allan Poe, Dr Hannibal Lecter … and John Waters. (...) Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)"

Peter Bradshaw: The Guardian
"The movie probably has the most to say to people who were teenagers in the early ‘60s, but they are, I suppose, the people least likely to see this movie. It also will appeal to today’s teenagers (...) Rating: ★★★ (out of 4)"

Roger Ebert: rogerebert.com
"Waters finally hits his commercial stride in this film, parlaying his keen social observation and great compassion for society's outsiders into a colorful and engaging comedy full of dancing, music and heartfelt nostalgia."

TV Guide
"See 'Hairspray'. It's light and airy, but it will stick around: the first aerosol movie."

Richard Corliss: Time

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User history

Hairspray

1988

John Waters

6.3

(2,717)