Can You Feel Me Dancing is a heartfelt drama from 1986 that tells the story of a mother and daughter's struggle to come to with the daughter's hearing loss. The film stars Justine Bateman as Samantha, a talented ballet dancer who loses her hearing after a bout of meningitis. Although Samantha is devastated by her loss of hearing, she is determined not to let it rule her life. With the help of her mother, played by Jolie Newman, she begins to learn sign language and discovers a new ion for dancing that doesn't rely on sound.
Despite her disability, Samantha is a gifted performer and catches the eye of a handsome young music producer named Jake, played by Jason Bateman. As Samantha and Jake's romantic relationship deepens, she must navigate the challenges of communicating with a man who does not know sign language.
Meanwhile, Samantha's mother struggles with her own fears and anxieties about her daughter's future. She is fiercely protective of Samantha and worries that her deafness will prevent her from achieving her dreams of becoming a professional dancer.
Throughout the film, Samantha and her mother navigate their changing relationship as Samantha becomes increasingly independent and confident. With the help of her family, her friends, and her own determination, Samantha learns to embrace her deafness and finds a way to continue pursuing her ion for dance.
The film is filled with touching moments that showcase the characters' strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Justine Bateman delivers a powerful performance as Samantha, conveying both her frustration and her inner strength in the face of her disability. Max Gail is also excellent as Samantha's father, who struggles to come to with his daughter's disability and fears for her future.
Overall, Can You Feel Me Dancing is a heartwarming and inspiring film that celebrates the human spirit and the resilience of those who overcome adversity. It is a powerful reminder that even when faced with great challenges, we can find strength and beauty in the world around us.