Saturday Night Fever

1977 • 119 minutes

About this movie

John Travolta gives a sensual and intelligent performance as the troubled Tony Manero - Brooklyn paint store clerk by day and undisputed king of the dance floor by night.

Ratings and reviews

I didn't know much about this movie before I watched it, I thought it was just a fun film about disco... But it should have several content warnings; watching it left a bitter taste in my mouth. It WAS a good film, if you know what you're getting yourself into, but I imagine most people my age, who know it by reputation alone if at all, do NOT. It depicts racism, sexual assault, violence, and death. It depicts them very explicitly, in a way that is raw and painful (Travolta's reckoning with these subjects is superbly acted). There is also strong, shockingly casual sexism and homophobia throughout. The conclusion is written as something of a redemption arc for the protagonist, who goes from violent harasser to totally penitent literally overnight. Unfortunately, the conclusion is unsatisfying, unrealistic, and hurtful. The women throughout the whole film are written to bend over backwards to forgive and please a man who has repeatedly verbally abused them and worse - the conclusion is no exception to this. There is no justice. If this is what 1977 was like I have pity for every woman who lived through it.

I watched this beautiful film with my 51 year old mother. She said that ith brought back lots of good and warm memories. 10/10

Love this classic. Good quality and brings back some good memories from the 70s dance days.