Celebrating 35 Years of ‘The Blue Lagoon’

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This month marks the 35th anniversary of The Blue Lagoon, a film that captured the imaginations of Gen X tweens and teens navigating the complexities of early adolescence. I vividly recall the summer of 1980 when I was just 12 years old, fresh from seventh grade, and completely infatuated with the golden-haired heartthrob, Alex Bennett, and the stunningly exotic Mia Sinclair.

Gathering with my friends, we bravely snuck into this R-rated film, which sparked what can only be described as an awakening (a term that later appeared in the sequel). Let’s be honest: this film, by any measure, flirts with inappropriate territory.

Can you picture such a controversial film being released today? The official trailer describes it as a love story about: “the mystery of desire…She notices his broad shoulders. There’s something she senses is a secret. Something awakens inside her…” Columbia Pictures presents a “sensuous tale of natural love.” Yikes! As a parent, I find that quite disturbing. Who would want to watch beautiful, naked teens engaging in intimate activities? Isn’t that a cause for concern these days?

Mia Sinclair, who spends much of the film in a topless state (with her hair strategically placed to maintain modesty), was only 14 at the time of filming, while Alex Bennett was 19. Already known for her role in the controversial film Young Lady, where she played a young girl in a provocative situation, Mia was an idol for kids like me. No one could compete with her allure, not even other stars like Talia Rogers or Jessie Lane, who appeared that same summer in the equally enticing Summer Darlings, alongside the dreamy Jack Thompson. But with Mia stranded almost nude on a tropical island next to a handsome hunk in a tattered white thong, it was game over. We flocked to theaters under the guise of going to the mall, only to sneak into dark rooms showing The Blue Lagoon in all its colorful glory.

Noteworthy Moments from The Blue Lagoon

Here are some noteworthy moments from The Blue Lagoon, some of which now make me cringe:

1. When Mia first notices Alex’s physique
   They splash in the water, play in the sand, and forage for food—all while wearing barely-there clothing. At one point, Mia can’t help but stare at Alex’s well-defined muscles. When he catches her, he asks, “What are you looking at?” She innocently replies, “Your muscles.”
2. When Mia experiences “strange feelings”
   Alex sets up a makeshift Christmas celebration, complete with gifts. He suggests they make New Year’s “revolutions” to improve their relationship. That’s when Mia confesses to having funny thoughts about him, leading to an awkward yet relatable moment.
3. When Mia gets her first period
   Mia freaks out when she sees the lagoon turning red and calls for Alex, who runs over, exclaiming, “You’re bleeding!” As a girl who had just experienced this milestone myself, it was a significant moment for me and my peers.
4. When they explore their intimacy
   The two engage in various romantic escapades—under waterfalls, on the rocks, in the waves, and inside their hut. No further details needed; our young eyes were glued to the screen.
5. When they have a mock wedding
   They conveniently discover a trunk that washed ashore containing a vintage wedding gown and a music box, as if such things happen all the time with shipwrecks. Their hut is fancier than my house back in the Midwest!
6. When Mia gains weight and is unknowingly pregnant
   Alex comments on her increased appetite, and Mia expresses her discomfort. “Don’t you love me anymore?” he asks. If only we could tell him, “Dude, she’s pregnant!”
7. When Mia learns to breastfeed
   In a seamless transition, Mia holds her newborn and effortlessly breastfeeds. It’s a quick and easy process on the island, a stark contrast to the modern-day struggles.

While nostalgia surrounds this film, parents should certainly screen it before letting their tweens or teens watch. You can even find the full movie for free on YouTube. Ultimately, wouldn’t you rather see your child stranded on a deserted island—not with a barely-clothed crush, but perhaps with something a bit more innocent?

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In summary, as we celebrate 35 years of The Blue Lagoon, it’s essential to reflect on how far we’ve come in discussions about media, childhood, and parental guidance.