The Magic of an 80s Montage

Sometimes we need just a little motivation, whether its whilst on a summer morning run that we want to push that little bit harder to that essay that you are making no headway with.

This music had helped the no number of different people, from basketball playing werewolves to heavyweight boxers, from spoilt teen dancers to drug trafficking overlords. A montage is for everyone. Here are some of the best montage videos to come out of the 80’s;

Gonna Fly Now – Bill Conti

Who can forget the Rocky training montage scenes throughout the spectacular career of Rocky Balboa, the videos still bring a tear of emotional ‘you can do anything’ inspiration. The Rocky movies will never be remembered for their spectacular acting or superior scripting, but no one can dispute the heart of the movie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf8oZGHDTt4

Scarface (Push it to the Limit) – Paul Engemann

Whilst the movie doesn’t have the most positivity and personal motivation reinforcing attributes such as working hard, pushing yourself and becoming all you can be, the song by Paul Engemann sums up exactly what the 80’s montage music was about.

Hungry Eyes – Eric Carmen

A montage showing Patrick Swayze teaching his new and infatuated dance partner the moves for an upcoming dance-off, whilst this film may not be to everyone’s taste this montage shows Jennifer Grey (known as ‘Baby’), learning to dance whilst frame by frame falling that little bit more in love with her mentor to the melody of Eric Carmen’s keyboard piano.

You’re the Best – Joe Esposito

Another film that sums up nicely how strength through adversity can make you feel unbeatable, and remember, cheating is never the right thing to do. As an 80’s child you will remember the crane kick fondly, but this song is one that will motivate people through tough times for years to come.

Win in The End – Mark Safan

The general requirements for a movie montage are sports, dancing or money making, this tune from Mark Safan might seem out of place in a film about a basketball playing werewolf teenager but when a young Micheal J Fox realises that he can help his team win by encouraging team work and fair play.

Eye of the Tiger – Survivor

Back to the classic Rocky training montage, perfectly accompanied this time by Survivor and their mega hit ‘Eye of the Tiger’, the training scene comes from Rocky IV in a Cold War, Man versus Machine battle that only Rocky stands a chance of prevailing.

As the innocent sincerity of the 80’s montage has faded into a hazy dream of better times, to be mocked by ironic attempts by films such as Team America, we forget how inspirational we felt during the first time we watched these starlets conquer adversity and reach their goal, only to try and find the encouragement to relate these to our own lives.

The 80’s montage is now seen as a mockery, something to be laughed at, but we all feel the same rush of adrenalin and emotion when Rocky reaches the top of the steps Philadelphia Museum of Arts. We shouldn’t forget the magic and inspiration of the 80’s montage.

Related articles

• You’re The Best! – Inspirational 80s Montage Songs (mrmovietimes.com)
• Our Favorite YouTube Videos This Week: The Unexpected Rapper Edition (mashable.com)

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