1031. Ghost (1990)

Starring: Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg

Director: Jerry Zucker

Running Time: 127 mins

Ghost is an American film about a man whose life is unexpectedly cut short during a mugging, however his strong love for his partner allows him to remain on Earth as a ghost to watch over and protect her.

This is both a fun fantasy story and an exciting murder-mystery sort of thriller that makes for two hours of great entertainment. What’s more is that it’s got a passionate and convincing romance in the middle too, which adds great emotion to the story whilst avoiding the cheesy tropes of the genre.

The most impressive thing about this film is the fact that it manages to make what seems like a ridiculous premise into one that is not only believable, but both fun and relevant. That’s in part due to Patrick Swayze’s excellent performance, as he makes a really likeable guy out of this ‘ghost’, and also in part due to the strong scripting, which makes his presence on Earth as a ghost important within the wider scope of the story, not just so he can be with the one he loves as a less intelligent romantic film would likely do.

In fact, the romance isn’t the main part of the plot, nor is the fantasy story about this man being a ghost. There’s no doubt that the chemistry between lead actors Swayze and Demi Moore is absolutely electric, which makes it as convincing and passionate a romance as in the hit chick flick Dirty Dancing, however, and that really does lend a strong emotional hand to the plot, but there’s still so much more here.

Despite being slow-starting and a little bit on the cheesy side, this film develops excellently into an intelligent and exciting thriller which is both captivating and simply fun to watch, thereby making a story that surprises you consistently in a romantic drama where there should typically be nothing of the sort.

As a result, this is a remarkably original film, and one that is an absolute joy to watch, both from an entertainment perspective as well as a cinematic one. In fact, the special effects here are fantastic, something also uncharacteristic of a romantic drama, and what’s most impressive is that they don’t feel too gimmicky, and don’t overpower the main meat of the plot.

Overall, then, I’ll give this a 7.6, because it’s a properly exciting thriller coupled with a fun fantasy story and a passionate romance that makes for a simply great watch.