Music of my Life

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 :)

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!

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.

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.

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.