I'll never forget it. The magic of ``Stand by Me'' that brings you back to your 12-year-old self

River Phoenix passed away before Chris

Although it has been over 30 years since its release, this famous film remains fondly remembered by people, but its initial screening in the United States was only at 16 theaters. The number finally increased to about 700 theaters in the third week after its release (which is still a small number since the number is usually around 1,200), and in the fourth week it rose to about 800 theaters, taking the number 1 spot in the United States.

The release and promotion in Japan was quite different from the beginning, and was extensive. River Phoenix, who played the role of Chris, came to Japan and appeared in shows such as ``Waratte Iitomo.'' Unlike Chris in the movie, he had grown taller, his hair had grown, and he had transformed into a much nicer man, which was very dazzling. As the adult Gordon said at the end of the movie, it seemed even more sparkling because it overlapped with the image of him coming out of his small world (Castle Rock) and working hard to become a wonderful man. River Phoenix also passed away at the young age of 23 in 1993. Faster than Chris.

"Stand by Me" (c)Photofest / Getty Images

"I haven't seen Chris for over 10 years, but I'll never forget him..." At the end of June, when it starts to get hot, this line crosses my mind. I'm also closer in age to the adult Gordie. For me, ``Stand by Me'' is the same as that line. Even if I don't see this movie again for a long time, I will never forget it. Then, I close my computer and return to my current life.

Text: Anzureratto

Writes mainly for the magazine "Eiga Hiho" (Yosensha). His book ``Black Movie Guide'' (Small Publishing) is now on sale.

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(c) Photofest / Getty Images