A Love Story That Transcended the Screen
In 1985, the world was introduced to a-ha’s “Take On Me”—a synth-pop anthem paired with a revolutionary music video that fused live-action and pencil-sketch animation. The video didn’t just redefine what music visuals could be—it told a cinematic love story that captured the imagination of millions.
At the heart of that story was Bunty Bailey, the wide-eyed heroine who literally stepped into another world for love, and Morten Harket, the charismatic frontman of a-ha who reached out from the animated pages to take her hand. Their on-screen chemistry became iconic, and the video earned its place as one of the most beloved visuals in pop culture history.
A Nostalgic Reunion, 34 Years in the Making
Fast-forward to 2019—thirty-four years after the music video’s release. In a touching and highly symbolic moment, Bunty Bailey and Morten Harket reunited at the very café where parts of the “Take On Me” video were filmed. The occasion? A behind-the-scenes feature for a special retrospective on the making of the video.
The moment, captured both in photographs and video, is nothing short of heartwarming. The pair sat in the same booth, surrounded by familiar décor, sharing laughter and memories as if no time had passed. For fans around the world, it was a full-circle moment that reignited all the wonder and emotion of that original visual masterpiece.
“It was surreal,” Bailey later shared. “Being back there with Morten felt like stepping back into a dream we had all shared once.”
Why It Matters: More Than Just a Reunion
This wasn’t just a photo op. It was a tribute to one of the most influential videos in music history.
“Take On Me” broke barriers when it was released, pioneering rotoscope animation and capturing the romantic escapism of a generation. The video won six MTV Video Music Awards in 1986 and has since amassed over 1.6 billion views on YouTube, solidifying its place as an evergreen pop culture phenomenon.
Bailey and Harket’s reunion reminded us that behind the stylized visuals was a genuine creative bond—one that stood the test of time.
Fans React: Sentiment and Celebration
When images and clips of the reunion surfaced online, fans across generations responded with overwhelming affection:
“This brought tears to my eyes—childhood memories come flooding back.”
“Still the most romantic music video ever made.”
“They should recreate the video as a short film now.”
Many noted how gracefully both Bailey and Harket have aged, praising their authenticity and the emotional weight of the reunion. It wasn’t nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake—it was a reaffirmation of why the original video moved so many.
A Look Back… and Forward
Bunty Bailey, once a dancer and actress appearing in music videos and films, has largely stepped away from the spotlight, choosing a quieter life outside the entertainment industry. Morten Harket continues to tour with a-ha, whose legacy remains strong with sold-out shows and devoted fans around the world.
This reunion, though brief, was a poignant reminder of their shared artistic history—and a beautiful gift to those who grew up dreaming in sketches and song.
Conclusion: When Art Comes Full Circle
In an era where music videos often come and go, “Take On Me” endures—not just for its technical brilliance, but for its heart. The 2019 reunion between Bunty Bailey and Morten Harket brought that heart back to life, reminding us that some stories are timeless.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the magic, this moment proves that pop meets poetry, and sometimes, memories can step out of the frame and into real life.