Directed by
Herb Freed
Made by
Crown International Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of Tomboy (1985). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
A charming young woman spends her childhood immersed in sports, influenced by her father, an astronaut, who encourages her to defy societal norms typically expected of women. As she grows older, she aspires to become both an auto mechanic and a race car designer/driver, constantly spurred on by a friend who wishes for her to adopt a more traditionally feminine demeanor. Despite the advances of a suitor, she remains disinterested, focusing instead on her friend’s aspiration to produce a dance show, which struggles to secure funding. To help, her friend auditions for a commercial, landing the role and subsequently crossing paths with the product’s owner, who invites her to a lavish party.
Meanwhile, as a mechanic working under a seasoned mentor, she impressively fabricates motor mounts for a classic vehicle that has been entrusted to them by a wealthy client. When her friend expresses frustration about receiving donuts as payment from the commercial’s product company, she decides to invite her to the party. Although initially hesitant, the allure of meeting her racing idol—whose poster prominently adorns her garage wall—convinces her to join.
Upon arriving at the lively party, she encounters her idol, who proposes a date. Although she initially turns him down, she soon relents. When she returns to the garage, both her idol and the spoiled client show up in the restored vintage car, revealing that the client’s father is sponsoring him in an upcoming race. Doubting her skill as a mechanic and driver ignites her anger, yet their romance blossoms.
Faced with criticism from his circle for her passion for cars, and feeling unsupported by him, she issues a challenge—a race against her own vehicle. The challenge is accepted, and she triumphs, securing her position as a mechanic and ultimately paving the way for her independence.
Track the key events of Tomboy (1985) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Childhood Inspiration
A charming young woman grows up heavily influenced by her father, an astronaut. His belief in her abilities instills a passion for sports and a defiance against societal norms placed on women.
Dreams of Mechanics and Racing
As she matures, she develops aspirations to become an auto mechanic and a race car designer and driver. Despite her friend’s attempts to encourage her to embrace a more feminine identity, she remains steadfast in her ambitions.
Friend’s Dance Show Aspirations
Her friend shares an ambition to produce a dance show but struggles to secure necessary funding. In a show of support, she energetically participates in brainstorming sessions to help bring the project to life.
Commercial Audition
To alleviate their funding woes, her friend auditions for a commercial. Successfully landing the role, this leads her to meet the product's owner at a lavish party, expanding her social horizons.
Working as a Mechanic
As an apprentice under a seasoned mechanic, she showcases her ingenuity by fabricating motor mounts for a classic car. This work illustrates her commitment to her mechanical pursuits and skill development.
Party Invitation
Frustrated by receiving donuts as payment for her friend's commercial role, she invites her to the upcoming party. Although her friend is initially reluctant, the chance to meet a racing idol proves irresistible.
Meeting Her Idol
At the party, she finally encounters her racing idol, who asks her out on a date. Despite her initial refusal, she finds herself charmed and ultimately agrees to go out with him.
Return to the Garage
After the party, both her racing idol and a wealthy client arrive at the garage in a restored vintage car. The revelation that the client’s father is sponsoring her idol for an upcoming race ignites complex feelings within her.
Doubts and Romance
Feeling inadequate and doubting her skills as a mechanic and driver, she grapples with anger and frustration. However, this turmoil also becomes the backdrop for her romance with her racing idol.
Challenging Expectations
Faced with criticism from her idol's friends regarding her passion for cars, she decides to take a stand. She issues a challenge to race against her own car, demonstrating her resolve and fighting spirit.
The Race
The challenge is accepted, leading to an exhilarating race where she surpasses expectations and crosses the finish line first. This victory solidifies her skills and reputation as a capable mechanic and driver.
Claiming Independence
Her triumph in the race paves the way for her independence, showcasing her determination to defy societal norms. This moment not only empowers her but also sets the stage for her future in the automotive world.
Meet the characters that bring Tomboy (1985) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Protagonist
A determined young woman with a passion for mechanics and racing, influenced by her father’s encouragement to defy gender norms. She is resilient, focused, and strives to balance her aspirations with the expectations from friends and suitors.
Racing Idol
Charismatic and talented, he captivates the protagonist with his success and charm. His initial uncertainty regarding her capabilities creates tension, but ultimately he plays a pivotal role in her journey toward self-affirmation and empowerment.
Best Friend
Supportive yet conflicted, she navigates her ambitions and the pressures of conformity. Her aspirations for a dance career parallel the protagonist's struggle, serving as a catalyst for the events that unfold.
Uncover the settings of Tomboy (1985), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie presents a contemporary setting where modern views on gender roles and aspirations create a backdrop. It captures the essence of a society grappling with traditional expectations while individuals pursue their unique passions in sports and mechanics.
Location
Garage, Lavish Party Venue
The movie unfolds primarily in a bustling garage, where the protagonist learns the intricacies of auto mechanics under the guidance of a seasoned mentor. This is complemented by a lavish party venue, filled with excitement, showcasing the glamorous side of the racing world and the social engagements that come with it.
Explore the core themes of Tomboy (1985). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
🚀
Empowerment
The central theme revolves around empowerment and defiance against societal norms. The protagonist's journey reflects the struggle for female representation in traditionally male-dominated fields like mechanics and auto racing, inspiring others to break barriers.
💔
Romance
Romance plays a crucial role in the story, as the protagonist navigates her feelings for her racing idol amidst her professional ambitions. Their dynamics illustrate the complexities of personal relationships when one's aspirations conflict with societal expectations.
🎭
Identity
Exploring themes of identity, the film showcases the protagonist's struggle to assert her individuality against peer and societal pressures. Her confrontation with the expectations of femininity leads to a quest for self-discovery and confidence in her chosen path.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.