Racing with the Moon (1984)

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Director:

Richard Benjamin

Writer:

Steve Kloves (writer)

Release Date:

23 March 1984 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

It was 1943...There was so little time left to learn about life!

Plot:

In 1942 California, two young men await induction into the U.S. Marines and say goodbye to their girlfriends.

Plot Keywords:

Friendship | Small Town | Female Nudity | Bowling | Train

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Sean Penn	...	Henry 'Hopper' Nash
Elizabeth McGovern	...	Caddie Winger
Nicolas Cage	...	Nicky / Bud
John Karlen	...	Mr. Nash
Rutanya Alda	...	Mrs. Nash
Max Showalter	...	Mr. Arthur, Piano Teacher
Crispin Glover	...	Gatsby Boy
Barbara Howard	...	Gatsby Girl
Bob Maroff	...	Al
Dominic Nardini	...	Soldier with Annie
John Brandon	...	Mr. Kaiser
Eve Brent	...	Mrs. Kaiser
Suzanne Adkinson	...	Sally Kaiser
Shawn Schepps	...	Gretchen
Charles Miller	...	Arnie

Runtime:

108 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:L | Australia:PG | Finland:K-12 | Singapore:NC-16 | Sweden:11 | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Fort Bragg, California, USA

Company:

Jaffe-Lansing

Trivia:

Originally rated "R" by the MPAA due to strong language and the scene of nudity. Upon an appeal, the rating was reduced to "PG."

Goofs:

Anachronisms: The railroad cars behind the steam locomotive are too new for the era the movie is supposed to portray (1940s).

Soundtrack:

The Lady's In Love With You

A Wonderful Sleeper

I have introduced this movie to many of my friends, as it seems no one has really seen it, or heard of it, but it is truly Wonderful and whenever I get anyone to watch they always agree.

A beautiful, bittersweet look at those touching, heart wrenching times in the 40's as the war was beginning and so many young men willingly went to trenches. I love the setting, California along the pacific coast, such extraordinary scenery. Sean Penn in this movie changed the way I looked at him, I realized his depth and sensitivity here. I have loved him ever since.

I have always loved anything about the 40's and this movie offers it up in spades. From the movie theaters, the roller rink, the side jobs every one had,to the shoes Caddie desires, this movie really captures that era. The bowling alley is priceless. Nicholas Cage does an incredible job here, much more so than the overblown, self-conscious acting he acquires later.

Movies I really like all have one thing in common, details. All the little details and extra touches in this movie make it special. From the pool room scene (nerve-racking) to the abortion scene to the treasure map scene, there are so many wonderful moments in this movie I am astonished it did not get more recognition. But I am a fan of movies that move slow and allow you to absorb the characters and background and plot. I hate car chases and fight scenes.

This movie is about people and emotion and feeling and should be a must see for those who care about those sorts of things.