Backdrop preview North Shore backdrop
North Shore

North Shore (1987)

Aug 14, 1987 1h 36m Romance Action Drama

On a small stretch of coastline as powerful as a man's will, Rick Kane came to surf the big waves. He found a woman who would show him how to survive, and a challenge unlike any other.

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Directed by William Phelps

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • William Phelps
Writer
  • Randal Kleiser
  • William Phelps

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, North Shore examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director William Phelps brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1987, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of North Shore took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
  • The film contains approximately 1469 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 1987, when this film was released:
  • The Cold War was entering its final phase.
  • MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While North Shore shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Welcome to the Guesthouse, which focuses more on action than character development, North Shore subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Summer City and Point Break explore similar territory, North Shore stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: August 14, 1987
  • Runtime: 1h 36m
  • Revenue: $3,832,228

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