Every once in a while Film 4 shows a classic yet slightly cheesy film that for some reason we all remember and love. This week they have chosen to show ‘Mask’ starring singer/actress Cher and Eric Stoltz.

This film was first released in 1985?(not to be confused with the Jim Carrey film of the same name released in 1994) and soon became one of those movies that almost defined what 80’s films were all about. It had the sentimental sappy moments that you can’t help but be moved by, combined with a strong lead character fighting his way through life and defying the odds, and to top it all off, it was also based on a true story.

The storyline itself revolves around ‘Rocky’ a seriously disfigured teenage boy being raised by his mother ‘Rusty’ (Cher) who is determined he should lead a life as normal as possible.

Battling her own drink and drugs problems and trying to cope with her son’s illness proved to be the ultimate test for Rusty as we watch her slowly fall deeper into despair being held up only by Rocky’s positive and almost child like outlook on life.

Cher is one of those people that you will either love, or hate in a film. Personally I am not a huge fan of her as an actress (although I loved her in Moonlighting) but I thought that she fit this part perfectly and that she really made it her own.

Eric Stoltz also gives a fantastic and utterly believable performance as Rocky and has the ability to really make you challenge the way we perceive people with disability and illness.

Looking back on this film now, it has to be said it does look slightly dated, but it has still managed to retain all of its original charm, emotion and appeal that will without doubt manage to pull at your heart strings just as much as it did when it was first released. Catch it on Film 4 this week and see exactly what I mean.

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Full cast list for the 1985 film Mask: Alexandra Powers, Allison Roth, Andrew Robinson, Anna Hamilton Phelan, Anna Thea, Barry Tubb, Ben Piazza, Beth McKinley, Cathy Arden, Charles Taylor, Cher, Christopher Rydell, Creed Bratton, David Scott Milton, Dennis Burkley, Dorothy Hack, Eddie Paul, Eric Stoltz, Estelle Getty, Gale Ricketts, Harry Carey Jr., Howard Hirdler, Ivan J. Rado, Jack Wright, Jeannie Dimter Barton, Jeff Jensen, Jill Whitlow, Joe Unger, Jo-El Sonnier, Kelly Jo Minter, L. Craig King, Laura Dern, Lawrence Monoson, Les Dudek, Lou Felder, Louis Waldon, Marilyn Hamilton, Marsha Warfield, Michael Adams, Micole Mercurio, Nick Cassavetes, Norman Kaplan, Paige Matthews, Patricia Pelham, Rebecca Wood, Richard A. Dysart, Robert ‘Duckie’ Carpenter, Rummel Mor, Sam Elliott, Scott Willardsen, Stan Ross, Steve James, Todd Allen, Toni Sawyer, Wayne Grace.