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Absolute Beginners 1986

Aspiring photographer Colin finds himself drawn into the captivating world of enigmatic model Crepe Suzette. Guided by the charismatic Vendice Partners, he experiences the competitive advertising industry firsthand and confronts social issues of the time, such as racism. As Colin and Crepe pursue fame, they must navigate the challenges of youthful rebellion and the compromises that come with chasing success.

Aspiring photographer Colin finds himself drawn into the captivating world of enigmatic model Crepe Suzette. Guided by the charismatic Vendice Partners, he experiences the competitive advertising industry firsthand and confronts social issues of the time, such as racism. As Colin and Crepe pursue fame, they must navigate the challenges of youthful rebellion and the compromises that come with chasing success.

Does Absolute Beginners have end credit scenes?

No!

Absolute Beginners does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Absolute Beginners

Explore the complete cast of Absolute Beginners, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Absolute Beginners

See how Absolute Beginners is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Absolute Beginners stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

60

Metascore

6.4

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

70%

TOMATOMETER

review

38%

User Score

IMDb

5.6 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

55

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Absolute Beginners Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Absolute Beginners with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Absolute Beginners Quiz: Test your knowledge on the film 'Absolute Beginners' and its themes of love, art, and societal conflicts.

What year does the film 'Absolute Beginners' take place in?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Absolute Beginners

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Read the complete plot summary of Absolute Beginners, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


In the dynamic landscape of London during 1958, the jazz era begins to fade as rock and roll takes its place, marking a significant cultural shift. At the center of this transformation is Colin, a young photographer captivated by the charm of Suzette, an aspiring fashion designer. With a burning drive for artistic authenticity, Colin finds himself caught in the relentless grasp of commercial photography initiated by music producer Harry Charms, who has his sights set on the young sensation known as Baby Boom.

Despite Colin’s aspirations, he grapples with the stifling demands of his job while Suzette explores her creative ambitions in a direction that diverges from Colin’s ideals. Her innovative designs are snatched up by the prestigious designer Henley of Mayfair, who seeks to elevate his status at her expense. The strain between their artistic integrity and the commercialization of their talents culminates in a heart-wrenching decision for Suzette. Desiring the best of both worlds, she chooses career over love, leading to a painful rift.

The plot intensifies when Colin uncovers Suzette’s alarming plan to marry the older Henley, a move she justifies as strategic for her career’s success. This stunning realization strikes Colin at a party hosted by gossip columnist Dido Lament, where he also crosses paths with advertising genius Vendice Partners. Here, an intriguing yet challenging opportunity presents itself, questioning Colin’s artistic principles.

Simultaneously, the film paints a stark portrayal of rising racial tensions in London’s Notting Hill, exacerbated by increasing immigration and the hateful ideologies propagated by the White Defence League, orchestrated by the ominous figure known as Fanatic. As Colin grapples with these societal upheavals, he finds himself conflicted—a battle between his fervent need for artistic expression and his outrage against the escalating racism that looms over his city.

As Suzette commits to Henley, Colin is lured deeper into the realm of advertising with a tempting job offer from Vendice Partners. Hoping to secure financial stability and win Suzette back, he accepts, but not without profound implications. The fallout from his choices reverberates through his artistic credibility, personal relationships, and his own identity.

As the narrative unfolds, Colin’s journey elucidates the clash between creativity and commercial expectations. His impassioned rants on the television show Searchlight expose the generational rifts, as he vehemently criticizes those who seek to exploit youth for profit. Ultimately, Suzette’s troubled marriage becomes symbolic of the harsh reality of compromise and the elusive nature of true artistic freedom.

Amid escalating unrest, racial violence reaches a critical point. Colin’s ally, Mr. Cool, warns him about the increasingly bold and organized nature of hate groups. In a shocking revelation, Colin learns that the newly established White Housing Development is a deceptive plot orchestrated by Partners and Henley to gentrify the once-thriving West 11 neighborhood. In a bid to unveil this conspiracy, Colin shoots incriminating photographs and attempts to enlist Dido’s help, only to discover her allegiance to Partners renders her support impotent.

As chaos ensues, Colin bears witness to the harrowing Notting Hill race riots of 1958, a tumultuous scene of destruction. His calls for peace go unheard as violence erupts around him. Eventually, with the intervention of authorities, order is restored. In the aftermath, Colin manages a reunion with Suzette, and they narrowly escape the devastating fires ignited by the White Defence League’s actions. A separate conflict sees Mr. Cool triumph in his confrontation with a fervent member of the league.

As the dust settles, the community rallies together, finding solace and joy in spontaneous street dancing. Rain soaks the remnants of the violence, symbolizing a fresh start. In the intimacy of Colin’s flat, he and Suzette finally give in to their pent-up emotions, sharing a passionate encounter. However, as the adrenaline fades, Colin throws Suzette’s wedding ring out the window—an act symbolizing his rejection of the limitations that have constrained him until now.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Absolute Beginners

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Absolute Beginners. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Absolute Beginners (1986)

Cars Featured in Absolute Beginners

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Explore all cars featured in Absolute Beginners, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Albion

1947

58 cwt

Alvis

1950

TA 21 Drophead Coupé

Austin

A40 10cwt Van

Austin

1952

A40 Somerset

Austin

1950

A90 Atlantic

Austin

1939

Eight

Austin

1956

FX3 Taxi

Austin

1934

Seven LWB Steel Saloon

Austin

1938

Twelve Van

Bedford

1946

M-Type

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


race riotyear 1958narrated by protagonistreference to oscar wildereference to the blitzreference to jayne mansfieldn wordnewspaper headlinescene during end creditsteenage romancebased on the novel of the same nameroll call opening creditsend credits roll callcandy cinemabayswater londonclassic musicalpop rock musicpopular musicrekindled romancespurned suitorlavender marriage19 year old boyteenage protagonistnotting hill londonteen idolgossip columnistmarriage of convenienceadvertising agencyteddy boyfascist politicshousing developmentgropingsexual assaultracial violencethrowing away wedding ringmusic promoterfashion modelcoffee housethames riverpimlico londonrooming housexenophobiainterracial marriagestraight razorrock 'n' roll musiclesbian charactergay characterphone boothhomosexual charactersaying thank you

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