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Poster for Absolute Beginners

Absolute Beginners

Seen it?

1986 | 108 min | Drama, Music, Romance

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With a box office flop, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics. If you loved Rocketman or Quadrophenia, start here.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 48 min.
What might put you off
Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.

A musical adaptation of Colin MacInnes' novel about life in late 1950s London. Nineteen-year-old photographer Colin is hopelessly in love with model Crepe Suzette, but her relationships are strictly connected with her progress in the fashion world. So Colin gets involved with a pop promoter and tries to crack the big time. Meanwhile, racial tension is brewing in Colin's Notting Hill housing estate...

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsSolid

    70% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10 from opening-week audiences

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerWeak

    $3 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 71K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Julien Temple

  • Eddie O'ConnellColin, Photographer / Narrator
  • Patsy KensitSuzette
  • James FoxHenley of Mayfair, Dressmaker to the Queen
  • David BowieVendice Partners
  • Ray DaviesArthur, Colin's Dad
  • Mandy Rice-DaviesFlora, Colin's Mum
  • Eve FerretBig Jill
  • Tony HippolyteMr. Cool
  • Graham Fletcher-CookWizard
  • Joseph McKennaFabulous Hoplite