The "Quality 80s?" series was sparked by my own lack of respect and luck with finding 80s films that I could truly enjoy...yet I knew they had to be out there...maybe?
And I still can't believe that I'm doing this project...but I'm starting to enjoy 80s cinema as I watch more of these films.
Previous 80s film viewing thoughts can be found here: Part I, Part II, art III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, & Part VII, & Part VIII, Part IX, and Part X.
Coal Miner's Daughter (1980)
Directed by Michael Apted
Recommended by Oscar (7 noms, including a win for Sissy Spacek)

very (surprisingly) enjoyable.
Places in the Heart (1984)
Directed by Robert Benton
Recommended by Oscar (7 noms, including a win for Sally Field & best original screenplay)
A movie with a lame title like "Places of the Heart" with its Waxahatchie, Texas depression era setting seems like a disaster of a movie. And yet it's so wonderful, and almost magical. It plays on the emotions, but in unique ways that made me wish that more movies were like this one. It has all the devices of a fuzzy Hallmark movie, except the story is crafted with quality care, and it has some great/touching performances not just by Sally Fields, but also by Danny Glover, John Malkovich, Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, and Gennie James. I would totally recommend this film, and I am very glad that I saw it. It's a charming heartfelt film, that simply needs a better title.
Chariots of Fire (1981)
Directed by Hugh Hudson
Recommended by Oscar (7 noms, including 4 wins one of which being Best Picture), AK, & Will

7 comments:
It was Sally's "You like me, You really like" Oscar acceptance speech that has forever put me off seeing either of her award winning films.
"Coal Miner's Daughter" is the reason I listen to and (mostly) enjoy country music.
@ michael...don't let that speech keep you away. watch the film, if you hate it you can blame me for eternity.
Exactly. Just so long it's not overdone...
How great is the Chariot's of Fire Casio piano symphony?
Also, Coal Miner's Daughter is so great. I love Loretta Lynn and her song "Fist City."
Chariots of Fire---otherwise known as world's longest movie about world's shortest race. I may need to watch it again, but I recall not liking it as much as I was supposed to.
I keep thinking that Coal Miner's Daughter was from 1979, but a good call.
I hate the 80's Love-In that has been going on since the end of the 90's with a passion. Didn't like the decade and want to forget it. However, you have pointed out that the decade wasn't a complete write off.
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