Tear-jerking musical comedy stars an iconic, award-winning actress who sings the iconic soundtrack
08:00, 27 Nov 2025
A ‘heartbreaking’ classic is a ‘must see’ and airs tonight(Image: Getty Images)
The topic of true, lifelong friendship is lovingly explored in a classic 80s’ weepy, starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, that is on BBC tonight (Thursday).
Beaches follows the lives of the two main characters who meet as young girls. Despite their different personalities and journeys, they always seem to be drawn back together right until the end. The movie spawned an unforgettable hit soundtrack, which won numerous accolades and was performed by Midler herself. Fans hail it as “beautiful”, claiming it will “live in your heart forever”.
We meet Cecilia Carol ‘CC’ Bloom, a New York actress and singer, and her lawyer bestie, Hillary Whitney, at the end of one of their lives. The film is a sentimental reflection on their relationship with all its ups and downs over the years.
The two friends met when they were 11(Image: INTERNET)
Their first encounter in 1958, when the girls were just 11 years old, is revealed. It takes place under a New Jersey boardwalk when CC, who is played by Mayim Bialik in her younger years, is hiding from her stage mum, and Hilary is lost.
They become penpals, eventually moving in together. Their relationship is tested throughout by various factors, including romances and morals, as their careers go in different directions. The birth of a daughter and a terminal illness mean they must take a truthful look at themselves and how they will move forward.
Bette Midler sang the hit theme tune Wind Beneath My Wings(Image: Getty Images)
Based on a novel of the same name by Rainer Dart, Beaches was released in 1988 to a lukewarm critical response. Critics found it cliché, although they praised Bialik’s performance and Midler’s vocals. The theme tune, Wind Beneath My Wings, won two Grammys, and the film was nominated for an Academy Award.
Despite poor reviews, it was also a box office success, taking $57 57million in the US and Canada and has a loyal fan base to this day. Devotees have shared their thoughts on Rotten Tomatoes, where it has a 42% positive score.
One who gave it five stars raved: “One of my favourite movies!! Always makes me cry. If you are a woman and you haven’t seen this, then you are seriously missing out!” Another totally agreed it was a classic must-see: “A true crowd-pleasing, tear-jerking, classic story of the deep love of true friendship, expertly performed by all involved and one of the best soundtracks of all time. Beaches will live in your heart and mind forever.”
Mayim Bialik was praised for her portrayal of the young CC(Image: INTERNET)
A third simply said: “One of the most beautiful films you’ll ever see.” While another fan praised the lead performances: “Phenomenal movie, outstanding acting from both Midler and Hershey. An absolute must-see if you like films that are guaranteed to make you cry.”
Midler’s vocal was praised by another: “One of the best movies I’ve ever seen. Bette’s voice is practically the sound of angels. This movie will make you laugh, cry, laugh a whole lot more, and break your heart in two at the end. A must see!”
Beaches airs on BBC4 at 9pm tonight (Thursday, November 27).
