Watch Saturday Night Fever

Saturday Night Fever, released in 1977 and directed by John Badham, tells the story of Tony Manero, a 19-year-old Italian-American from Brooklyn who works in a dead-end job at a hardware store but dreams of making it big as a dancer in a local disco club. Played by John Travolta in his breakout role, Tony is brash, confident, and charismatic as he struts his way across the dance floor in his signature white suit.

Set against the backdrop of the late 1970s disco craze, the movie is a bright and colorful ode to that era, with plenty of groovy music, neon lights, and flashy outfits to go around. But underneath the glitz and glamour lies a darker story of poverty, racism, and alienation that gives the movie a compelling edge. As Tony struggles to find his place in the world, he clashes with his family, fights with his friends, and tries to win the heart of Stephanie (played by Karen Lynn Gorney), a fellow dancer who he hopes can help him break into the big leagues.

At its core, Saturday Night Fever is a coming-of-age story about a young man trying to find his identity in a world that doesn't seem to care about him. Despite his talents on the dance floor, Tony is constantly belittled and undervalued by those around him, from his abusive father to his deadbeat buddies. Only in the disco club, where he can express himself freely and compete against others on an equal playing field, does he feel truly alive.

Along the way, the movie tackles some weighty themes, including race, class, gender, and sexuality. Tony's interactions with his African-American co-worker, Cesar, highlight the racial tensions of the time, while his friendship and eventual romance with Stephanie challenge traditional gender roles and expectations. The movie also features some intense scenes of violence, including a gang rape and a brutal fight between Tony and a rival.

Despite its heavy subject matter, Saturday Night Fever remains a beloved classic for its infectious dance sequences, catchy soundtrack (featuring hits by the Bee Gees and others), and iconic fashion. Travolta's natural charisma and impressive dance skills have made Tony Manero a pop culture icon, and the movie has spawned countless parodies, homages, and tributes over the years. The movie's legacy also includes a Tony-nominated Broadway musical adaptation and a sequel, Staying Alive, which Travolta himself directed.

In the end, Saturday Night Fever is a time capsule of an era that's long gone but still holds a special place in the hearts of many. Whether you're a fan of disco music or just looking for a classic movie with heart, this film is worth a watch.

Overall, Saturday Night Fever is a captivating and poignant movie that explores the hopes, dreams, and struggles of a young man trying to find his place in the world. With its engaging performances, pulsing soundtrack, and visually stunning dance sequences, it remains a beloved classic that continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.

Saturday Night Fever is a 1977 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 77.