Northern Soul
October. 17,2014 PG-13Set in 1974, an authentic and uplifting tale of two friends whose horizons are opened up by the discovery of black American soul music.
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Reviews
Touches You
Load of rubbish!!
A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.
It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.
I like films, I particularly like British Films, I especially like British Films about British Culture. I Like and have for many years actively enjoyed Northern Soul.For the last decade or so I have had to rely on the likes of Shane Meadows to successfully weave story lines out of developed British working class characters against a backdrop of fashion, music, humour and drama. Before that; Quadraphenia had a visceral physical affect on my motivation for style, fashion, music & tribalism. The very next day it changed my behaviour, it was a youth culture catalyst that I have been grateful for ever since, it has subsequently provided me with happy reminisces. I am not sure that could ever happen again for todays Teens, too much to compete with, not to mention homogeneous western culture...hard to break away when 300Million Superdry'ers are all wearing the same labels!Anyway, Mr Kermode gives 'Northern Soul' the perfect review by comparing it to "Good Vibrations". I love that film, fascinating story, gritty setting, incredibly strong, charismatic and superbly acted central characters. Great film. Now I'm keen, I'm very keen, I heard enough, I've read enough, even the trailer looks promising. I'm feeling nostalgic and charitable all in one. I may even clap at the appropriate Duke Browner breaks irrespective of potential disapproving glances of my Superdry neighbours...I'll be in the moment!Well, I didn't clap to Duke Browner, or the Exsavyons. I didn't laugh inwards, or smile outwards. The main characters were recognisably mundane or unrecognisably over the top and the plot unfolded predictably. I will say though it is a very well produced film and it definitely had its 'ring-a-bell' moments. The Casino scenes were particularly authentic, but not enough of them for me.Should you buy a ticket (or DVD) or should you buy a Superdry jacket? Well, where 'Good Vibrations' would keep you warm for many years to come, do go and see Northern Soul but maybe take a jumper!
I don't know if I'm giving anything away, but please forgive me if I am. For me it was an excellent film, great attention to detail, and very authentic. Everything included in the plot, from the school, youth club, parent's attitude, and finally the casino, registered firmly on my radar. The joy of the weekend after what for most of us was a pretty mundane week, rang so true, I could almost hear the bell tolling, maybe that was the bell for morning assembly I'm hearing :) The film was made covering a short period of time, so to me everything had to be included, so as to recreate the time period, drugs, fighting, romance, are real recollections for most of us, granted not necessarily in such a short time frame, but if someone is going to be successful at evoking such an important time for so many of us, artistic licence must be granted. I've seen it twice, the first time I decided to disregard the northern soundtrack, and I saw a realistic and gritty piece of drama. The second time I allowed myself to be immersed in everything on display, and it was even better. If you like British films, please give it a go, if you like northern then it's a must, let go of the preconceptions and the ''What will happen next'' views of some reviewers, watch it for yourself and do what we've always done, make an informed decision on what's directly placed in front of you.
I was really looking forward to seeing this film. I am and always have been a Soul music lover and Northern Soul fanatic. I was hoping to see how the Northern Soul culture developed alongside the pop scene in the 1970's. The beginning certainly started like this and reminded me of my youth club days. It showed how the music and scene became infectious and more and more people wanted to be involved. Unfortunately, for me, it went downhill very quickly. It is basically a film about the drug scene, with a Northern Soul theme running in the background. I went to Wigan several times and many other all nighters. I accept that some people did take drugs but in my opinion it was nothing like what was portrayed in the film. Having said that, the music and dancing scenes were terrific, although there are some of my favourite songs on the released CD set that were not in the film. At the end of the day it is a fictional film, based on facts from individuals from the time and if it was a film purely based upon the music and culture, then I suppose it would not have a very wide audience. Well done Elaine and thank you for allowing me to fondly reminisce about the wonderful memories of my younger days.
Northern Soul – love it live it, there is no other way!I was there and everything that went on it that film went on in the mid-70s soul scene. Obviously not every week; as a bit of poetic licence needs to be added to give the viewers a storyline. Apart from a few anorak moments everything was detailed exactly, or as near to, the era including the locations and clothing.The choice of music was absolutely 10 out of 10, for the period. Having seen it on the big screen, the DVD lives up to that experience. Miss it – Miss out ..In the words of John Bowie – 'Your're gonna miss a good thing' H