If you're in your 50s, you might not remember the title clearly, but you probably recall the 'Harry and the Hendersons' video cover or the classic movie poster.

Since it was made in 1987, it came out during our youthful days.

These days, kids might think of 'Bigfoot' as just another CGI character from Marvel movies, but our feelings about it were quite different.

This movie, when you watch it again now, seems quite rough around the edges. But that roughness gives it a certain warmth that can bring a tear to your eye.

Modern films are all flashy with computer graphics (CG), which are visually pleasing but often lack emotional depth, right?

But this movie is different. They actually built sets, and a person wore a furry costume to act, so that unique analog warmth is still very much alive.

The story is quite simple. The Henderson family goes camping, and on their way home, they hit something with their car, which turns out to be the legendary creature 'Bigfoot.'

Thinking it's dead, they load it onto their car roof, only for it to wake up in their home.

They name this big creature 'Harry' and start living with him, and oh boy, you can't even imagine.

Being so large, he breaks doors, destroys furniture, and opens the fridge to gulp down food in one bite—it's quite a sight.

But after a few days, they realize that despite his rough exterior, he's actually a gentle giant.

It's not a movie about chasing away a monster; it's a story about bonding with a new family member covered in fur, and watching it can be both heartwarming and a bit cringeworthy, haha.

Seattle in the 1980s and Its Scenery

The movie is set in Seattle, Washington, where it rains lightly and the coniferous forests are dense, making it a perfect habitat for Bigfoot. In fact, that area still holds festivals and sells souvenirs related to Bigfoot sightings.

But to me, the scenery of Seattle back then stands out more than Bigfoot. It wasn't a bleak city filled with skyscrapers like today, but rather a quaint neighborhood nestled against the forest, which feels very nostalgic. The most impressive part is definitely Harry's expressive acting. Nowadays, everything would be created with a computer mouse, but back then, special effects artists crafted costumes with silicone and fur that the actors wore while performing. Harry's sad eyes and his smile when he's happy are so natural.

It turns out this movie even won an Academy Award for makeup that year. The fact that they created such vividness with the technology of 1987 is still mind-blowing today. This is what craftsmanship is all about.

John Lithgow's performance as the father is also fantastic. His understated comedic timing and the portrayal of a strong father trying to protect his family really resonate with us, making it quite touching.

With a production budget of $16 million, it grossed over $50 million worldwide, so it was quite a hit. It even led to a TV series later on.

Of course, younger viewers today might find it clunky and childish. There are no twists or flashy action scenes. But amidst the overly stimulating films of today, this movie feels like a rich, slow-cooked broth.

As I get older, I guess I can't help but long for the past.

When life gets complicated and tough, watching a 'classic' movie like this while sipping a beer is a hundred times more comforting.