In 1984, my love for cinema was in full swing. From animated classics to epic adventures, romantic comedies to gripping dramas, the films I saw that year left a lasting impression. Whether I watched them at the Muswell Hill Odeon, the more art-house cinema, the Phoenix East Finchley, or even during a trip to Paris, each experience was part of my journey as a film lover.
That year was also a transition for me - I was turning 14, which meant my first experiences with 15-certificate films (sorry, not sorry!). There was an exciting sense of stepping into a more grown-up world of cinema, one that went beyond the family outings and the animated films of my childhood. I still enjoyed watching movies with my younger brother, where Disney classics and adventure films were a shared joy, but I was also starting to explore films with friends that were edgier, funnier, or more dramatic than anything I had seen before.
Revisiting these films in 2024 as part of a challenge to re-watch all the films I saw at the cinema and shows at the theatre, I found myself reflecting on how my perspective has changed. Some films that once seemed light-hearted now revealed deeper layers, while others remained as fun and thrilling as I remembered. Watching them again, I saw not only how cinema has evolved but also how my own understanding of storytelling, humour, and emotion has deepened over the years.
Here’s a look at my journey back to 1984, one film at a time. And here's more on the theatre re-watches.
The Sword in the Stone
· 1984: I watched this magical Disney animation at the Muswell Hill Odeon, with my brother. Arthur’s adventures with Merlin captivated me with their humour and whimsy, and re-worked this knowledge into a school essay a few months later
· 2024: The animation still felt timeless, and Merlin’s lessons about self-discovery and destiny stood out more. It remains a delightful escape.
Winnie the Pooh and a Day for Eeyore
· 1984: I saw this at the Muswell Hill Odeon, in a double bill with The Sword in the Stone. The simplicity and warmth of the Hundred Acre Wood felt comforting.
· 2024: Eeyore’s sadness resonated more deeply, and I appreciated the story’s themes of acceptance and friendship.
Carmen
· 1984: I watched this opera film in Paris whilst on a French exchange, which made it a special experience. The passion and drama left a strong impression, even without any English subtitles.
· 2024: The music and heartbreak of Carmen felt even more powerful. The timeless themes of love and jealousy stood out. Luckily the DVD had subtitles.
To Be or Not to Be
· 1984: Mel Brooks’ satire of war and identity was a revelation, blending humour with historical weight.
· 2024: The wit and commentary hit even harder. I appreciated the clever layers of humour more than before. Not streaming or available to buy or rent online, luckily had the DVD.
Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan
· 1984: I watched this with my brother at the Muswell Hill Odeon. He had been invited to audition for little 'Tarzan', but didn't go for it. It felt more serious than other Tarzan adaptations, which intrigued me.
· 2024: The themes of nature versus civilisation stood out more, and I understood Tarzan’s struggle with his identity better.
Footloose
· 1984: I saw this with friends at the Muswell Hill Odeon, and the energy in the cinema was incredible. Had the Kenny Loggins' Footloose single.
· 2024: The themes of personal freedom and repression felt more relevant, and the music still made me want to dance.
The Lady and the Tramp
· 1984: Another family trip to the Muswell Hill Odeon. I loved the romance and charm of the story.
· 2024: I noticed the class divide between more this time around, adding depth to the film. And the casting meant more.
Educating Rita
· 1984: I saw this with my mum at the Muswell Hill Odeon. The story of self-improvement and education really stayed with me. My first 15-certificate. Loved it much I saw it again a week or so later.
· 2024: Rita’s journey felt even more inspiring, and I appreciated the transformation of both main characters. One of my two 2024 re-watches I watched with my swimming buddy Tracy who'd not seen it before.
Terms of Endearment
· 1984: I must have seen the trailer when I saw Educating Rita, as I returned the following week with friends to see this at the Muswell Hill Odeon. The emotional weight of the relationships stood out.
· 2024: The layers of humour and grief were even more apparent, making it an even more powerful experience.
The Dresser
· 1984: I saw this at the Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley with my grandma who had come over to celebrate my birthday. The backstage drama fascinated me.
· 2024: I appreciated the exploration of fame and ageing much more, and the performances felt even stronger.
Against All Odds
· 1984: I saw this at this at the Muswell Hill Odeon. The mix of romance and suspense kept me hooked. Another 15 certificate film. By coincidence the first piece of film writing I had published was on this film's predecessor, Out of the Past.
· 2024: I noticed the deeper emotional stakes between the characters this time around.
Yentl
· 1984: I saw this at the Muswell Hill Odeon, and the idea of a woman disguising herself to get an education fascinated me. So much so, I went again the following week. Or could it have been Mandy Patinkin!
· 2024: The themes of gender identity and ambition resonated even more strongly. One of the two 2024 re-watches I watched with my mum and friend Beki, who also recalls the power of the message (and Mandy!)
La Traviata
· 1984: I watched this at the Phoenix East Finchley. The opera’s emotional tragedy hit me hard. I must have been inspired to see it after seeing Carmen with Placido Domingo earlier in the year.
· 2024: The themes of love, sacrifice, and social constraints felt even more poignant. Couldn't find this anywhere, luckily my friend Karen had the DVD and joined me and my for this 2024 re-watch.
Mr. Mum
· 1984: I saw this at the Muswell Hill Odeon. The comedy about a stay-at-home dad felt fresh and funny.
· 2024: The humour still worked, and the way it challenged gender roles has become ever more relevant.
Breakdance
· 1984: I saw this at the Muswell Hill Odeon with friends, and we were all excited by the street dancing and hip-hop culture.
· 2024: I appreciated the cultural significance of the film and its role in spreading hip-hop globally.
Supergirl
· 1984: I watched this at Muswell Hill Odeon with my brother. A female superhero felt like something new and exciting.
· 2024: The campy fun still held a nostalgic charm, even if the film itself wasn’t perfect.
Jabberwocky
· 1984: I saw this at the Phoenix East Finchley. Terry Gilliam’s surreal humour was unlike anything I’d seen before. Was probably expecting something more in line with Carroll's poem.
· 2024: I appreciated Gilliam’s commentary on society and the film’s unique absurdity even more.
Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back & Return of the Jedi
· 1984: I saw this trilogy with my brother and two of his friends at the Muswell Hill Odeon, I recall being paid babysitting money by all three sets of parents. I mean, they were out of their hair for a whole day!
· 2024: The trilogy remains a cultural touchstone, re-watched with Paul Tonks who filled me in on Star Wars lore I didn't know or had forgotten.
Splash
· 1984: I watched this with friends at the Muswell Hill Odeon. The mix of romance, comedy, and fantasy was magical. And I went to see it twice.
· 2024: The film’s charm held up, and I noticed its subtle commentary on relationships more.
Romancing the Stone
· 1984: I saw this at the Muswell Hill Odeon. The adventure and romance were thrilling.
· 2024: The balance of humour and action made it a great example of 80s adventure films.
The Karate Kid
· 1984: I watched this with my brother at the Muswell Hill Odeon. The underdog story and Mr. Miyagi’s wisdom were unforgettable.
· 2024: The themes of mentorship and perseverance stood out more. It remains a classic.
101 Dalmatians
· 1984: A family trip to the Muswell Hill Odeon or perhaps just me and my brother. The adorable puppies and the thrilling escape made it a favourite.
· 2024: The animation still charmed me, and Cruella de Vil remained an iconic villain.
Ghostbusters
· 1984: I watched this at the Muswell Hill Odeon with my brother The mix of comedy and supernatural adventure was perfect.
· 2024: The sharp writing and cast chemistry stood out even more. It remains one of the best comedies ever. Re-watched with my friend Dan, who is a big Ghostbusters fan, he's even built a proton pack.
Caravan of Courage
· 1984: I saw this with my brother at the Muswell Odeon.
· 2024: When I looked at the list of films watched in 1984, this was the only one that rang no bells. Despite the dated effects, the story still felt charming.
Revisiting these films has been a journey through time, not just through cinema but through my own memories and changing perspectives. Some movies still hold the same magic, while others reveal new depths I never noticed before. One thing remains the same: my love for the big screen. Here’s to the films that shape us, the ones we return to, and the new discoveries still to come.
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