Big Wednesday

1978
PG
2h

IMDb RATING

7.1/10

7.7K

YOUR RATING

John Milius directs the 1978 coming-of-age surfing film 'Big Wednesday.'

Play trailer2:52

1 Video

38 Photos

Coming-of-Age Extreme Sport Period Drama Water Sport Drama Sport

Character study about the lives of some California surfers from the early 1960s to the 1970s as the Vietnam War interrupts their carefree life.Character study about the lives of some California surfers from the early 1960s to the 1970s as the Vietnam War interrupts their carefree life.Character study about the lives of some California surfers from the early 1960s to the 1970s as the Vietnam War interrupts their carefree life.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.1/10

7.7K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 2 nominations total

Videos1

Trailer 2:52

Official Trailer

Photos38

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
George Lucas and Steven Spielberg thought this film would be the American Graffiti (1973) of surfing films - that it was destined to be such a hit that they famously traded profit points on their next two films, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) with director John Milius. This trade would earn Milius millions of dollars while his own film would flop at the box office.

Goofs
Jack's induction notice says he is to serve in the United States Marine Corps. When he comes home from Vietnam he is an Army Airborne Ranger.

Quotes
Matt Johnson: You know, Mrs. Barlow, there's something I'd like straighten out.
Mrs. Barlow: What's that, Matt?
Matt Johnson: Well, I did a lot of things around here I'm kind of ashamed of. I tore up your lawn with my '40 Ford...
Mrs. Barlow: Many times.
Matt Johnson: Took my pants off in front of your friends...
Mrs. Barlow: Oh, yes.
Matt Johnson: And I even passed out in your closet, but I never, and I don't know who could have if I didn't, but I never, and I repeat never, ever pissed in your steam iron.

Alternate versions
ABC edited 31 minutes from this film for its 1985 network television premiere.

Connections
Featured in Moviedrome: Big Wednesday (1988)

Soundtracks
Three Friends Theme
Music by Basil Poledouris
Lyrics & Vocals by Keola Beamer (as Keola) & Kapono Beamer

User reviews75

Featured review

8/10

Acting-Usually good Cinematography-Outstanding

I much prefer a movie that looks great to one with great dialogue. So with this movie I was pretty much satisfied. OK the acting can be a little iffy at times ("those kids do look up to you" said in a bit of an over the top way) but the story line, humour, and fights (very enjoyable at the party, not as much in Mexico because of the more serious tone) are all very good.

But this film really excels in the shots of the ocean and surfing. They are quite simply beautiful.

I don't really understand why this film did so badly but heh it seems to be more accepted now.