Twenty years ago, when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences nominated Ghost for Best Picture of the year, many critics pointed out that there were other films more deserving of a nomination; films such as The Grifters, Reversal Of Fortune, Edward Scissorhands, Longtime Companion and The Field. But two decades later Ghost still holds up as a timeless, supernatural love story.
We would all like to believe that love never dies and when those we care for pass on, in some way they are still with us. The departed are here to comfort us, even when we don't know it.
Ghost sets up this premise in such a deft and artful way that the viewer is carried along into believing. Ghost explores themes of life, death, after-life, mourning and grief while the plot revolves around money laundering and murder. It is a smart blend of romance, suspense and comedy that has the audience reaching for the tissues.
The film quickly establishes a very passionate romance between Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze) and Molly Jensen (Demi Moore). It's to the actor's credit that their love is so credible. The famous scene with the pottery wheel has been parodied many times since, but it is still one of the sexiest scenes ever filmed. The scene works so well that the audience really emphasizes with Molly when Sam is killed.
After his death Sam seems trapped on earth as a ghost. Until he realizes that Molly is in danger and he must protect her. He enlists the aid of a store front psychic, Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg) who has the ability to hear Sam.
Goldberg supplies most of the comic touches and she received an Oscar as Best Supporting Actress for her efforts.
Twenty years after it's release Ghost is still surprisingly entertaining and poignant. It gives comfort in times of sadness and joy at the possibility of love living on after death.
At the Movie House rating *** stars
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