Blinded by the Light (2019) User Reviews

Blinded by the Light (2019)

[rockman182 · 8/10 · 17 August 2019]

I absolutely love the music of Bruce Springsteen. When I got into his music a few years back, I instantly became enamored with his albums namely Darkness on the Edge of Town. When I saw the trailer for this, I was instantly hyped. This looked a bit like Danny Boyle's Yesterday. A film about a talented brown guy who uses a classic rock act to better his life and land a beautiful girl. I was always going to like this but I felt an identification with the character and the music as an inspiration and the idea of chasing what you believe in.

The film is about a young Pakistani high school kid who has to deal with racism and the pressures of his traditional family, in 1980's Luton, England. A friend of his introduces him to the music of Bruce Springsteen, and he quickly becomes influenced in all facets by the music of the Boss. Relating to the words of Springsteen, he uses this as fuel to get the girl he likes, chase his dreams of becoming a writer, and butting heads with his family namely his strict and overbearing traditional father.

Great acting all around, with a very impressive debut by Viveik Kalra. Nell Williams is beyond gorgeous. The music and use of songs in this music is fantastic. Couldn't help but sing along. Its true what they say, Bruce made songs that related to the working class and the struggles that people faced at work and in life. With all its profound lyrics as a backdrop, the film manages to touch on important issues of xenophobia (which are still present today) and the struggles that can come with familial expectations not lining up with ones own goals.

As a brown male myself who works on developing his skills and chasing a better life, I identified with a lot of this film. Heck, I even travel to Luton and Bury Park every year on vacation. So, I really felt this film. I'm all for breaking out and chasing happiness and bettering yourself in life. Therefore, I found this to be a real and identifiable film. I think if you like the work of Springsteen and the influence he has as an artist, then this will resonate very well for you. I recommend a watch for everyone though.

8/10

Don't be fooled, this film is far more about the story than the music

[coombsstephen · 8/10 · 9 July 2019]

I have to confess I am a big Springsteen fan and I really enjoyed the soundtrack to this film but unlike other recent movies, the soundtrack is just that, rather than being the core of the film.

This is a great little British movie based on a true story about a British boy with Pakistani parents trying to overcome racism and strict parentage in Luton in the 80s. It is very real but also very funny.

I found it a bit of a slow burner but it really took off and a film I will be watching again.

And of course, everything is a better with Springsteen!

It's absolutely fine

[jamescraiguk · 6/10 · 9 July 2019]

I just saw this in a Cineworld Unlimited screening and, other than having seen the trailer and thought it looked ok, knew very little of Blinded By The Light. Immediately a few people got up and walked out. Ten minutes in a couple more joined them. Others waited an hour, then popped off. Some of these people - though not necessarily in the same screening as me - have added their 1-star review to IMDb. These people should have their Unlimited cards confiscated and be barred from cinemas and writing reviews permanently. Sure, it's not a perfect film - Springsteen is shoehorned in a cringeworthy number of times and the narrative has a paint-by-numbers feel to it - but it's a cheerful film with a good message: do what makes you happy and don't be a douche. Those giving the 1-star reviews really did miss the second part of the message. Look, it's an ok film. If you like Bend It Like Beckham, you'll probably enjoy this. Of you're a massive 'The Boss' fan, you'll probably enjoy this. Don't trust the 1-star reviews; it's never a 1-star film. I'd probably really rate this 5 stars, but I'm adding one just to counter a couple of those walk-outs who feel justified in tarring a film with their own ineptitude.

Race, Religion and Rock N' Roll ... in 1987

[Vic_max · 7/10 · 17 August 2019]

This story is inspired by writer Sarfraz Manzoor's autobiography.

Without really giving anything away, t's basically a story about the struggles of young college writer in a small English town. In the midst of his family's downward financial spiral ... and race relation issues of the time, he finds unexpected inspiration in the music and words of Bruce Springsteen.

It's mostly charming and has a good, heart-felt message. I like Springsteen's music but felt that the movie over-used it with all the Bolllywood-ish singing and dancing.

That said, it's amazing this movie even got made. Springsteen has never given permission for his music to be used in movies ... but he read Manzoor's book (before he was even approached) and give his approval.

There are some really enjoyable moments ... and there are times when the movie seemed to drag a bit. All in all - I liked it!

A good message

[kapakra · 7/10 · 9 July 2019]

I saw this at a secret screening and it's not my normal kind of film, but it is a interesting message about culture and how the ideals we are exposed to can shape us.

Sticking with it to the end brings it full circle, and that seems to be the point of the story.

They bring you up to do like your daddy done

[Prismark10 · 7/10 · 10 September 2019]

Based on the semi autobiographical by journalist Sarfraz Manzoor. Blinded by the Light is about Javed (Viveik Kalra) a teenager who has started college in 1987 in the town of Luton which is facing industrial decline and the rise in racism.

Javed grew up in a traditional Pakistani family, his dad works in a car factory and is soon to be made redundant. His dad would like Javed to have a professional job where he can earn good money, Javed wants to write instead but he thinks no one would be interested. When a college friend introduces him to the music of Bruce Springsteen, Javed finds the Boss's music talks to him directly and it enables Javed to find his own voice.

My parents used to talk about living in Luton. They must have hated it as they only stayed there for a few months and soon returned up north. Life in Luton during Mrs Thatcher's 1980s was not too different from many other towns. No jobs, no money and fascists wanting to blame immigrants. It is notable that this film is set in 1987 but the yuppies have yet to get to places like Luton. They only seemed to have existed in London at that time.

Blinded by the Light is a feel good movie with undercurrents of the political and economics circumstances of the 1980s. It is a fertile ground to incorporate Bruce Springsteen songs, particularly from albums such as The River and Darkness in the Edge of Town. These albums had songs which resonated with blue collar workers in the USA that were facing job insecurity and young people heading towards a life of uncertainty.

The film also shows that Springsteen's songs cuts across class, nationality, race and religion. It is this which elevates the movie. Javed, a young lad of Pakistani origin and his friend Roops, a sikh are inspired by the Boss's music and find meaning in their lives.

What lets the movie down is the well worn cliche of the Asian son and father having differences when it comes to growing up.

The film contains twelve Springsteen songs including an unreleased song that he originally wrote for the first Harry Potter film but was unused. Given that the Boss can be notorious in allowing clearance for his music to be used in movies, in effect this film had his blessing and I was surprised he did not end up with a Producer credit.

Heartwarming and funny!

[daxxafreeman · 9/10 · 9 July 2019]

Blinded by the Light is just brilliant! It's so heartwarming, heartbreaking and funny all at the same time! I laughed, cried and really tried hard to not sing along! Sure, it's corny in parts but it adds to the magic of it. It's never gonna win an Oscar, but it's a deffo feel-good movie that will literally have you smiling from ear to ear!

Great Movie With 80's Hair and Flares

[martimusross · 7/10 · 10 July 2019]

Blinded By The Light

I enjoyed this movie very much once I got beyond being dragged back to the 80's with the dodgy hair and flares.

The movie explored many themes and these provided the backdrop for a rites of passage of a young Pakistani man growing up in Luton. He needed to make sense of the world and this was through the cipher of Bruce Springsteen's lyrics and music.

What was good,

1, whilst dealing with racism it was presented as a feature of the time, it did not take over the movie.

2, the story was more important than realism and we had moments when the movie took off with musical numbers.

3, the whole cast did a brilliant job particularly the mum and the dad,

4, Javed play by Viveik Kalra was a masterclass in micro-emotions, the whole movie rested on this young man and he delivered the goods. Skills way beyond his years.

5, the music and graphic were great I just wish I was more familiar with the Boss's music but we were listening to Kate Bush and Duran Duran.

6, Margaret Thatcher brought a decade of pain to Britain as she transformed a bankrupt state to a market economy. It was necessary but had terrible effects on people's lives and this was shown effectively here.

This was a very niche movie, very claustrophobic and there was very little action but I enjoyed it immensely.

Great story about the influence of rock n roll

[subxerogravity · 7/10 · 20 August 2019]

I'm not the biggest fan of Bruce Springsteen. Sometimes saying that out loud makes me feel un-American, but it's true, so the film does not hit me as hard because I'm not into the music, but i thought the message was loud,clear and absolutely amazing. It's a beautiful story about how the music of Springsteen can inspire you to come out of your shell and it was done well. I like it.

The warmth emanates throughout this great film.

[brian_spike · 9/10 · 9 July 2019]

We went to the 11th secret unlimited Cineworld screening and had the pleasure to see this frankly amazing film. Had no idea about it before hand but found it to be a thoroughly entertaining and heartwarming film. The cinematography was fantastic, really sucking you into the story the film is telling, added to that the acting was superb, you could really feel the characters come to life making you feel each triumph and setback and get a true sense of the emotions each scene and character portrays. I would highly recommend you see this film, it really is fantastic.

Chadha's ode to Springsteen isn't quite born to run

[isaacj02 · 6/10 · 10 August 2019]

Director Gurinder Chadha burst into prominence with her 2002 hit Bend It Like Beckham, a zesty coming of age story that broke the mould for Asian representation in British cinema... and introduced the world to that modern English Rose Keira Knightley, of course. Since then, Chadha has produced a filmography, wide-ranging in both genre and quality. Whilst 2010's It's a Wonderful Afterlife was creaky and her latest period piece Viceroy's House rather uninspiring, Chadha appears to be back on surer ground with Blinded by the Light, an ode to Bruce Springsteen based on the memoir of real-life fanatic of the Boss and journalist Sarfraz Manzoor. Like many of Chadha's films, Blinded deals with themes of race, culture and integration in a brazen manner... but first and foremost, like her 2002 breakout, it's a feel-good coming of age comedy, easily accessible and perhaps somewhat trite as a sacrifice. The story follows 16-year-old Javed (a fictionalised version of co-writer Manzoor), the bookish and rather awkward son of first-generation Pakistani immigrants (played superbly by Goodness Gracious Me alumnus Kulvinder Ghir and Meera Ganatra). It's the middle of Thatcher era austerity in Luton; jobs are low, far-right skinheads roam the streets and the music of Bruce Springsteen has been relegated unceremoniously to "the sort of thing your dad listens to". Javed's life is on a definite downturn, as his aspirations to be a writer are refuted by his traditional father and his luck with the girls loiters in stupor. As soon as a friend encourages him to plug Springsteen into his Walkman (you can feel Chadha nostalgically grinning with the period detail) it takes but a few lines of Dancing in the Dark for Javed to be smitten. What follows is a coming of age tale that hits familiar beats (not least from Bend It) with shameless confidence. There's much to appreciate in Blinded by the Light; Chadha is brilliant at conjuring likeable characters, ones with whom we can laugh, cry and dream effortlessly. Virtual newcomer Viveik Kalra holds the film up with unbridled charisma as Javed, whilst Ghir plays his father with gusto, most impressive in the more dramatic moments. The film deals (if all too broadly) with some weighty themes; in the midst of the fun, there's lingering political angst and even scenes of shocking racial abuse. Chadha handles history thoughtfully; the comparisons to today's Britain, for example, are present for those who want to see them but don't feel forced. Ultimately, however, the meat of the film lies in the relationship between Javed and his father, one portrayed convincingly by both lead actors. Central to the plot also is Springsteen himself, of course, a constant Messiah in Javed's life; here I was reminded of Danny Boyle's Yesterday, a recent release that blindly expects you to take the Beatle's iconic status for granted without ever exploring what makes them so great. It's pleasing then that here Springsteen's importance is conveyed judiciously; the way his anthems to blue collar America chime very personally with a young Pakistani from Luton is utterly believable. Despite this, Blinded by the Light is not a film quite worthy of heralding; amidst the cleverer aspects of Chadha's work, there's plenty of poor choices made that leave a strangely jerky end result. Clear-cut narrative is dismissed in favour of messier storytelling; romantic subplots meander in vague directions, characters become important for ten minutes then entirely disappear and the whole affair resolves in a rushed and corny conclusion. Chadha, Manzoor and Paul Mayeda Berges' script is problematic too; padded and cliched, it becomes increasingly lazy as the film progresses, choosing to have characters blindly quote Springsteen lyrics in an attempt at profundity that feels very stilted. The filmmakers' love of the Boss becomes painfully clear too to the point of overindulgence (for instance we are treated to pretty much the entirety of Born to Run in a particularly stretched montage sequence). The incorporation of the music in the story as well becomes increasingly odd, with quasi-musical numbers and distracting graphics of lyrics floating across the screen. It appears to be an unfortunate trend in Gurinder Chadha's films that there is an abundance of flavours all thrown into the pot without enough thought into how well they will taste together. The conjunction of comedy and drama in Blinded by the Light stands starkly obvious; whilst both Goodness Gracious Me-esque humour and political commentary are done well here, the marriage between them feels slightly jarring throughout most of the film. One might be able to overlook some of these errors if the film had the same level of charm as Bend It Like Beckham and other similar fare... but despite its unabashed earnestness, Blinded feels a little stuck in the mud and even its better aspects can't trump a progressively perfunctory and scattered delivery. No denying there's enough fun here to put a smile on the face... but no amount of goodwill can distract from one too many misfires.

Narrative is too formulaic

[markd-44377 · 3/10 · 7 August 2019]

The acting is fresh and charming, and direction is pacy and generally engaging. But once this tale gets stuck in the tramlines of its "Bend it Like Beckham/Billy Elliot" youngster aiming to shake off parental oppression, you know EXACTLY where it's going to take you. Apart from the nasty National Front scenes towards the end, this is a film with very little tension and next to zero surprises, plot twists and turns. And if a story lacks that in a film, then it really has a problem. It descends into a series of box ticking narrative requirements. I've read the book and it was funny and humane. But this film has not really delivered on the original text. It could have been so much better with a riskier and more daring script that wasn't afraid to get off those predictable "tramlines."

Perfect for Disney Channel.

[vivated · 6/10 · 10 September 2019]

The true story behind this title is tender and interesting. But I think it's a missed opportunity. It'a delicate film, with a couple of good characters, but in a way I find it perfect for Disney Channel or other super light and childish comedies. It's very didactic, full of cliché, you lose the story and hardly you can trust it. The use of Bruce songs is absolutely exxxagerated, would have been much more interesting if they appeared just on 3 or 4 crucial moments. It is all built on Springsteen songs, which is good for a super-fan as I am, but at the same time I think it's too much.

Beautiful

[Gordon-11 · 16 September 2019]

This film tells the story of a young man who finds himself and break out of an oppressive environment through music.

The story is really beautiful. I can relate to Javed in many ways, so I feel very touched by the film. It is a film that really connects with viewers.

Blinding by Springsteen

[grace-wells10 · 7/10 · 10 July 2019]

Saw this as a secret screening at Cineworld as part of there unlimited series. I can understand by the reviews are so mixed as it a very marmite film, I enjoyed the comedy one liners by the main character's dad, absolutely hated the middle 'Grease' homage at which point I was ready to walk, but it pulled it back slightly for the end. The 80's soundtrack is cracking, and as a 80's boy bought up listening the same stuff and having been bought up on a strong diet of Spingsteen by my old man growing up, I related strongly to it. It's not something I would see again, but I'm glad I did at the same time if that makes sense. Not bad at all and better then the mostly negative reviews on here.

A Feel Good Movie

[mohammedsalehali99 · 7/10 · 20 August 2019]

Blinded By The Light was an absolute joy! I wasn't expecting this movie to be great but it really surprised me. It's a story about a Pakistani teenager from a complicated family and how he tries to find his own place in this world. The movie is very emotional and will make you sympathize with Javid and what he's going through.

Much better than expected

[notmyproperty · 8/10 · 9 July 2019]

This was one of those movies that I'd watch the trailer and say to myself "that looks good, I'll see that" and the probably wouldn't because it wasn't mainstream enough for me to go to the cinema. But thankfully Cineworlds Secret Screening was on (even though I and possibly all the people that walked out during this movie were hoping to see The Lion King early). It's throughly enjoyable, the music is great, Bruce Springsteen and Eighties Classics. It's a coming of age story to remind everyone that being true to yourself and becoming who you want to be doesn't mean leaving who you are and where you came from behind :)

Fantastic music; uneven storytelling

[joker-4 · 7/10 · 13 October 2019]

I'm a huge Bruce fan. Have been ever since I unlocked the truth of "Born in the USA" as the anthem enjoyed its heavy AOR rotation on Philly FM. Much like Gen-X outcast Javed, the Boss spoke to me. Still does. I purchased his autobiography on Audible for the sole purpose of hearing Bruce speak directly through my ear buds. Everyone has a hungry heart. Everyone dreams of taking a wrong turn and to just keep going. Javed's heart, hungrier than mine perhaps, took Springsteen's words as gospel. Blinded By The Light is his pulpit.

The premise for the film is simple, heart-warming, and fun. Javed is a Pakistani immigrant living in a nowheresville English suburb during Maggie Thatcher's reign. Unemployment's at an all-time high. Anti-foreigner movements rage from waves of white. Javed wants to change his clothes, his hair, his face when the magic of Bruce Springsteen touches this young lad transforming his black-and-white Kansas to a Technicolor Oz. The songs are more than inspiring; they are an escape. And that's what director Gurinder Chadha presents: celluloid dreams that present the world as a better place. She did similarly with Bend it Like Beckham, another wish-fulfillment piece featuring a fish-outta-water tale.

Blinded By The Light regrettably falls off course becoming lop-sided at best, with the music of the Boss saving the show.

Adapted from the book Greetings from Bury Park by Sarfraz Manzoor, Chadha beautifully builds Javed's hometown world. The darkness at the edge of town that all teens feel, especially during the Gen-X eighties, especially for immigrant teens who are inherently set apart from their English mates. Javed is a writer and yearns for his creativity to hop onto the ever-present M1 to take root in London. But fates, and an old-world parent, are unmoving Jersey barrier. Baby, tramps like him ain't born to run. That is until the charm of the Garden State makes its way into Javed's Walkman. Javed takes Bruce's words to heart and they give him spine.

Why then does the rest of the film slam the screen door on its rightful magic? Once Javed starts dancing in the dark, the film's call-to-arms dies away and becomes Sunday matinee fluff. He gets the girl. He becomes Hayley Atwell's star pupil. He rocks the street ala Ferris Bueller. Max Weinberg's rhythm is beat. The Big Man's sax solo is played. There will be no encore. But this film rightfully deserves one. Instead, much like Javed, the film stumbles with finding an identity rolling between a political statement, a musical, or a coming of age story, resting on none.

Viveik Kalra plays the title role with spot-on sincerity and wide-eyed stardom. He is believable, and likable, and kindles the passion that burns within all Springsteen fans regardless of age, gender, and nationality. The film is successful in showing that Bruce's music adheres to no borders yet gets all Disney friendly with relationship resolution.

Blinded By The Light preaches the Gospel According to Bruce in a typical Hollywood fashion. The believers may nod with righteous hallelujahs while praying the uninitiated turn from their heathen ways. The Holy Land might be in Freehold but truly exists in speakers and ear buds belonging to us all.

Best film of the year!

[enewslettersource · 10/10 · 16 August 2019]

I loved this film. It is intelligent, warm and deeply moving, a story about cross-cultural differences, growing up with one foot in one culture and one foot in the other, adolescence, identity, isolation, alienation and journey to adulthood taking place in 1980s Thatcher England, job loss, racial hostility and synth music. It's about a Pakistani family, a Sikh friend who loves the Boss (who is the Boss of us all), Sony Walkmans, tape cassettes, working for a living and having skinheads spit on you. It's about loving words, having a passion for writing, paying attention to words and the words of a fellow poet, Bruce. It's about parents, their sacrifices and struggles and the letting go. Loss. And, it's about meaning. Living a life with meaning, values and love. The film is well-written, acted, directed and edited. There is humor. There is not a false note anywhere. The only complaint I can make, and it's a very small one, because of my American ears, there were a couple of Xs I did not understand the dialogue.

Formulaic, sentimental...and an absolute joy

[cliftonofun · 7/10 · 19 August 2019]

Let's get something out of the way: yes, this movie is sentimental and formulaic. However, Chadha adds enough Springsteen lyrics, Bollywood musical elements, 80's coming-of-age moments, and political parallels to make all that formulaic sentimentality into something...different. It is a simple and complicated story all at once, partly because the characters are simple and complicated all at once. In other hands, this movie could have been just a musical comedy about a kid overcoming, but I could not help but care - about Javed, about his family, about the town he wanted to escape. I will admit that's partly because I am an absolute sucker for Springsteen, but the movie works regardless. I think? Okay, I am a little biased here. Still, it is not just about Bruce (Bruuuuuuuce!!!). It is also about a filmmaker who gets this place, family, community, and music at a deeper level. Her ability to see through these characters' eyes makes a simple story into something more. Plus, Bruce's old songs and the old prejudices of this film are more relevant than ever.

Excellent Teen Nostalgia

[msfttaz-82874 · 8/10 · 25 July 2019]

This is one of those films the self-professed "experts" (ie. film school snobs) will hate because it doesn't fit the "Save the Cat" mandated mold of "great films." The cinematography was clearly not big studio quality, though there were some genius lighting moments and interesting approaches to pulling the music into the story. Most of the cast are unknowns on their best days. The stars have brown skin and lack athletic prowess. Most will never grace the ad pages of a fashion magazine. The soundtrack is purely 80's. So, of course, my fifteen-year-old daughter and I loved it.

The acting was good, especially for an indie. The story was even better, as long as you don't focus on the core plot and whether or not it follows "the rules." Instead, relax and soak in all the subtext. "Blinded by the Light" is a beautiful glimpse into the painful subculture of people living in a world that doesn't want them. It invites open-minded viewers to experience racism in a real and visceral way. Maybe it's because I've been there - part of a brown-ish family in a white world during a time it was okay to throw slurs and sodas at those who didn't belong - but I was able to emotionally connect with the story and characters in a way I haven't done in quite some time. And I watch a LOT of movies, in every genre and budget level. If you let it, this one will touch you, pull you into its world, and make you laugh and cry. This film isn't high art. It's not tent pole, popcorn fare. But it is a great film. People walking out - sorry, but you've either got a stick up your backside or a beef with people who aren't white. The acting was fabulous, the rhythm of the film fun and flowing, and the story solid and tear-worthy for those empathetic enough to watch it through to the end. And if you possess a human bone in your body, you will smile, even when it gets "cringy" as the Brit reviewers have called it. Get over yourselves, seriously. This is a very good little indie film that will appeal to both older teens still trying to figure out who they are/if they're worth anything and their 80's loving parents, especially those of us who remember the days when it was okay for the locals to tell us "go back home" despite knowing we were born there, too.

it's a Jungleland out there

[ferguson-6 · 7/10 · 14 August 2019]

Greetings again from the darkness. Last year we had Queen via BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, and so far this year we've had Elton John with ROCKETMAN and The Beatles with YESTERDAY. Thanks to writer-director Gurinder Chadha (BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM), our latest musical genius to receive the cinematic treatment is The Boss ... New Jersey's own Bruce Springsteen. While this one is not a biopic of Bruce, it is based on the memoir ("Greetings from Bury Park") of British journalist Sarfraz Manzoor, who co-wrote the script with Ms. Chadha and Paul Mayeda Berges.

Viveik Kalra stars as Javed, a Pakistani Brit living in Luton during the economic downturn of Margaret Thatcher's run as Prime Minister. It's 1987 and Javed faces racism and the struggles of a first generation Pakistan family pursuing their American dreams. He is a wanna-be writer who creates recession-era poems and politically-charged song lyrics for his best friend's pop-synth band. At home, his hyper-stressed father (Kulvinder Ghir) pushes to keep his ideals on track for the family - a vision which does not allow Javed to pursue a writing career.

Javed finds a supportive teacher in Ms. Clay (Hayley Atwell), and things really change for him thanks to his energetic Sikh buddy Roops (Aaron Phagura) who introduces him to the music of Springsteen. Viveik Kalra is a relative newcomer, having only previously appeared in the TV mini-series "Next of Kin". He shines in this role, and never more than when he conveys the near-religious experience of being touched by music the first time. The more he listens to Springsteen, the more he relates. The music helps him find his voice as a writer, and equally importantly, his place in society.

Another relative newcomer to the big screen is the terrific Nell Williams, who plays activist and rebellious Eliza. She also happens to be the love interest for Javed, and the two are quite fun to watch together. It's a bit of a shame that the roles weren't expanded more for both Ms. Williams and Mr. Phagura. Both characters could have contributed more to the story. Dean Charles-Chapman plays Matt, Javed's long-time musician friend, and Rob Brydon has a comical appearance as Matt's dad - one who appreciates Springsteen as much as Javed.

The film weaves in the cultural challenges of Javed and his family, as well as some of the Pakistan traditions and the accompanying pressures. Filmmaker Chadha doesn't deliver a musical per se, but there are definitely some musical moments, including full production numbers that have us singing along. A few too many Jewish Springsteen jokes are included, and some may find the film a bit too light-hearted, but it's crafted for mass appeal while blasting some classics from the theatre speakers: Promised Land, Badlands, Thunder Road, Darkness on the Edge of Town, Born to Run, Because the Night, Prove it All Night, and yes, even "Hungry Heart". These songs are the inspiration for the movie, just as they were for Mr. Manzoor. Sure, there are some silly moments, but mostly it's an entertaining and inspirational message movie wrapped in BRUUUUUCE!

Laid on with a trowel

[nhwardle · 5/10 · 7 August 2019]

Based in Luton, perhaps, but plenty of Hollywood reality in this. Thatcher's Britain, British racism, cultural differences within communities etc etc all have been dealt with better in other films. Much of the cultural focus could have been cut and pasted from 'East is East'. The film is too long and contrived, with every point being made repeatedly and without subtlety. However, the acting is good and if you are satisfied with a happy ending, this may be one to watch

Worthwhile movie using inspiration from Bruce Springsteen lyrics.

[TxMike · 18 January 2020]

My wife and I watched this at home on DVD from our public library. It is set in 1987 and 1988 Luton, England, just a ways up the M1 from London. This is a story inspired by author Sarfraz Manzoor and his experiences as a Pakistani boy growing up in Luton.

The boy is a school nerd of sorts, choosing to study and have aspirations to go to college, to study to be a writer. And also to get a distance away from his overbearing father. Another boy at school loans him a cassette tape of Bruce Springsteen music and those lyrics indelibly change his outlook.

Part of the story is his winning a writing contest and earning a paid trip to Monmouth College, in New Jersey, which gave him an opportunity to explore Springsteen's stomping grounds. This movie is not a tribute to Springsteen, it is simply a tribute to anyone who gets inspired by the words of others to redirect their lives and get on a path of achievement. In this case it jjust happened to be Springsteen.

Good, interesting story with lots of humor and a focus on family values.

(NB: In 1996 my wife and I spent some time in Milton Keynes and Stony Stratford, just a short ways north of Luton. Seeing the town and the rural shots brought back good memories.)

Grapples with difficult issues in quite light fashion

[philiphubbard-89758 · 7/10 · 6 August 2019]

Basically about race and inter-generational conflict in 1980s Britain. Comes over more like East is East than My Beautiful Launderette or My Son the Fanatic: feels fairly familiar in many respects, and quite frothy. Not likely to be as big a hit as something like Bend if like Beckham as the laughs are not many and mainly rely on having been there at the time. But not overwhelmingly grim either given it deals with unemployment, Thatcherism and the rise of the National Front. Whether you really enjoy it depends on whether you can stomach Bruce Springsteen's music (I can't) and the fantasy dance sequences (cringe). So not for everyone but at its heart this is a film with good politics dealing with themes that remain relevant. Both me and my 14 year old son agreed it was ok, but not a film we would necessarily recommend to everyone.