🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
- Release year: 1989
- Runtime (length): 2h 2min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (34K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 63%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A dead pilot becomes a ghost to help his girlfriend find a new boyfriend, teaching him how to fly better in the process, because apparently the afterlife involves flight school.
🍿 Always: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction: Daredevil Pilots
Pete Sandich and Al Yackey are best friends and aerial firefighters, known for their bravery and skill. Pete, however, is a risk-taker, causing concern for his girlfriend Dorinda Durston, who works as ground control. Their bond is strong, but Pete’s dangerous profession constantly looms over their relationship. Dorinda wants Pete to take a safer job, but Pete loves flying too much to give it up.

Pete’s Sacrifice and Death
During a particularly dangerous fire, Al’s plane malfunctions. Pete makes a daring maneuver to save Al, but his own plane is caught in the fire and explodes. Pete’s death deeply impacts Dorinda and Al. This event sets the stage for Pete’s afterlife journey and his role as a guardian angel.

Pete as a Guardian Angel
Pete finds himself in a charred forest where he meets Hap, an angel, played by Audrey Hepburn. Hap reveals that Pete is dead and will return as an inspiration to a rookie pilot named Ted Baker. Pete, now a spirit, can influence Ted’s thoughts and actions, helping him become a better firefighter. He struggles, however, as Ted begins to develop a relationship with Dorinda.

Dorinda and Ted’s Growing Relationship
As Ted trains to become an aerial firefighter, he and Dorinda spend more time together, and a romance begins to blossom. Pete watches with mixed emotions, realizing that Dorinda needs to move on but struggling with his own feelings of jealousy and loss. Hap reminds Pete that he needs to let go of Dorinda so she can live her life.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Pete Sandich (Richard Dreyfuss): A daring but reckless aerial firefighter who dies and returns as a spirit to guide others.
- Dorinda Durston (Holly Hunter): A skilled pilot and Pete’s girlfriend, struggling to cope with his death and move forward.
- Ted Baker (Brad Johnson): A rookie pilot who is mentored by Pete’s spirit and falls in love with Dorinda.
- Al Yackey (John Goodman): Pete’s best friend and fellow firefighter, who supports Dorinda after Pete’s death.
- Hap (Audrey Hepburn): Pete’s ethereal guide and guardian angel who helps him understand his new role.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Hap: “You’re a good man, Pete. We don’t send back the other kind.” – Hap explains to Pete that he was chosen to return and guide someone because of his good nature.
- Pete: “God, I wish we’d have met sooner.” – Pete expresses his regret to Dorinda, knowing their time together was cut short because of his death.
- Pete: “You’re going to have a wonderful life.” – Pete says this to Dorinda just before he lets her go and encourages her to move on with Ted.
- Dorinda: “It’s not the dress… it’s the way you see me.” – Dorinda realizes that Pete truly loves her for who she is when he gives her a special birthday gift.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $31,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $43,858,790
- Worldwide Gross: $74,134,790
💥 Always Reviews
Personal Review
I watched ‘Always’ again last night, and it definitely brought back some feelings. The scene where Dorinda is putting out the fire, with Pete talking to her, got to me. It’s sweet and a little sad, but in a good way. If you need a good cry, this one will do it.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of romantic dramas with supernatural elements.”
- “Admirers of Audrey Hepburn.”
- “Viewers interested in stories about love, loss, and letting go.”
- “Those who enjoy films with aerial firefighting themes.”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild language.”
- “Brief intense scenes of plane crashes and fires.”
- “Themes of grief and loss.”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Spielberg’s ‘Always’ is a sentimental journey with visually stunning aerial sequences, but the narrative lacks depth. Dreyfuss shines, yet the film’s emotional core feels somewhat manufactured, making it a mixed bag for audiences expecting Spielberg’s usual magic.
- RogerEbert.com: “Roger Ebert was not a fan, calling it, “Spielberg’s weakest since ‘1941’”. Ebert found the film sentimental and overly reliant on familiar tropes. While appreciating the aerial photography, he felt the story lacked originality and the characters felt underdeveloped.
- Empire: “Empire praises the film’s visuals and the performances of the leads, particularly Holly Hunter. However, the review notes that the sentimentality can be overbearing, and the plot is predictable. Still, it considers ‘Always’ a charming and watchable romance.
Audience Reactions
Heartwarming portrayal of love and loss connects with viewers on an emotional level.: Fans praise the cast and the tear-jerking storyline.
Vintage aircraft and flying sequences provide visually captivating moments.: Many viewers appreciate the stunning aerial photography and aviation elements.
Overall Consensus: While critics are divided on ‘Always’ due to its sentimentality, audiences appreciate the emotional storyline, the performances, and the aviation elements.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “This was Audrey Hepburn’s final film role. She accepted the part because she wanted to work with Steven Spielberg.”
- “The movie is a remake of the 1943 film ‘A Guy Named Joe,’ though it updates the setting from World War II to aerial firefighting.”
- “Steven Spielberg promised Richard Dreyfuss during the filming of ‘Jaws’ that he would cast him in a remake of ‘A Guy Named Joe’ if he ever made one.”
🖥️ How to Watch Always?
Currently, Always is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as options may change. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can also be found through online retailers like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Always, you might like these similar films:
- A Guy Named Joe (1943): This is the original film that ‘Always’ is based on, featuring a similar storyline about a pilot who returns as a spirit to guide another pilot and watch over his former love.
- Ghost (1990): Features a similar theme of a deceased lover watching over and protecting their partner from the afterlife.
- Heaven Can Wait (1978): A recently deceased man returns to earth in a new body, to live the life he would have had, featuring similar themes of love and second chances.
- Top Gun (1986): Features a similar adrenaline-pumping theme of daredevil pilots, with a focus on aerial stunts and the risks they take.
🛒 Always Related Products
- A Guy Named Joe (1943) – DVD: Experience the original film that inspired ‘Always’. This classic WWII drama features Spencer Tracy and Irene Dunne in a touching story of love and sacrifice.
- Aviation Art – Vintage Airplane Poster Set: Bring the spirit of aviation into your home with this set of vintage airplane posters. Each poster features classic aircraft designs, perfect for aviation enthusiasts.
- Aviation Flight Logbook: Record flight hours in a professional manner with this aviation flight logbook, containing spaces for up to 1000 entries
- Motion RC Douglas A-26 Invader, WWII Bomber, Twin 70mm EDF Jet, PNP: Fly the same WWII bomber aircraft featured in the movie ‘Always’. This replica is easy to assemble and will perform very well in the air.
🎧 Soundtrack
Always features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” – performed by JD Souther
- “Theme from Always” – performed by John Williams
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Always’ is a romantic drama about a pilot who dies and returns as a guardian angel to help a new pilot and his former girlfriend find love and happiness.
Yes, ‘Always’ is a remake of the 1943 film ‘A Guy Named Joe.’ It updates the story from World War II to aerial firefighting.
Audrey Hepburn plays Hap, an angel who guides Pete (Richard Dreyfuss) after his death and explains his new role as a guardian angel.
You can rent or buy ‘Always’ on digital platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check availability on your preferred streaming service.
🔥 Bonus Content
Bruce Lee Always Stood On Business 💯 #explore #film #viralvideo
Ever wondered what made Bruce Lee such an icon? This video breaks down his unwavering principles and how they shine through in his movies. It’s amazing how his dedication translated on screen!
Tony always thought of peter as family #movie #shorts #video
Want to see a touching reminder of the family bonds that can be found in film? This short and sweet clip perfectly captures a heartfelt moment of affection. Get ready to be moved!
Father’s love is always hidden 💔 movie scene video editing shorts viral trending @Sumaiya__editor
Isn’t it true that a father’s love is often expressed in the most subtle ways? This moving video showcases how films capture those unspoken moments of affection. It really resonates!
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.