Harold and Maude

Harold is a restless young man living inside a shell built from funeral visits and deathly pranks that shield him from his cold home. He drifts through each day with a dry, ironic grin. Then he meets Maude, an irrepressibly lively octogenarian who refuses to treat aging as a limit. Her fearless appetite for life, music, and risk stands in bold contrast to Harold's caution. The unlikely duo strike up a friendship that soon becomes a romance, challenging every social rule Harold has absorbed. The film blends humor with tenderness to show how two people from opposite ends of life can alter each other, finding meaning in spontaneous acts of defiance, generosity, and joy.

Hal Ashby directed Harold and Maude, released in 1971. The screenplay by Colin Higgins stars Ruth Gordon as Maude and Bud Cort as Harold, and its offbeat humor helped it stand out for its era to audiences then and now.

Since its debut the movie has grown into a cult favorite, celebrated for its fearless treatment of aging and nontraditional romance. Its influence appears in dramas that mix whimsy with philosophy, and fans still reference Maude's exuberant outlook. It remains a touchstone in courses and conversations about aging and love.

Critics praised the blend of comedy and melancholy, the sharp exchanges between Maude and Harold, and the way the story treats mortality as a conversation rather than an end. Core themes include personal freedom, self creation, and the courage to pursue happiness on your own terms for many viewers today.

The film did not pick up major nominations, but it earned enduring respect as a bold romance that defies expectations. Its cultural footprint grew through later rankings of top independent films, making Harold and Maude a touchstone for viewers seeking nonconforming love. The film's reputation continues to grow.