Heavy Load

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Heavy Load

2008

1h 35m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

8 Reviews

81%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

Filmmaker Jerry Rothwell follows the British punk band Heavy Load.

Critics Consensus

Intriguing and engaging rockumentary that demolishes stereotypes of the mentally challenged, and celebrates the inspirational story of Heavy Load.

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Derek Malcolm

London Evening Standard

There are times when you don't know whether to laugh or cry but Rothwell avoids any charge of patronising them.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 3, 2008

Full Review

David Gritten

Daily Telegraph (UK)

This is intriguing, though it gives Rothwell another excuse to appear on camera, which he does with irritating frequency.

Oct 3, 2008

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Cath Clarke

Guardian

The only difference is that three of the five have a learning disability - but in this documentary, which is very funny in places, it's not disabilities that define them.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 3, 2008

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The Sun (UK)

But director Jerry Rothwell ruins all that by stealing the limelight with his annoying self-analysis and philosophising.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 3, 2008

Full Review

Tom Dawson

Total Film

The film demolishes stereotypes of the mentally challenged, celebrating the energy, desires and ambitions of its protags.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 3, 2008

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Rob Daniel

Sky Cinema

Contender for best documentary of the year, Heavy Load contains a classic moment of Spinal Tap-ism as Paul, when Heavy Load is at its lowest ebb, ponders why Michael says he hates him.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 3, 2008

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Audience Member

A documentry about a punk band, half of the band which is disabled. Well worth checking out regardless of what you think of music. As this film shows nothing will get in these guys way

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/17/23

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Audience Member

A simple story very well told. Great fun to watch and the kind of film that leaves a smile on your face.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

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Audience Member

a british documentary taking a look at a band called heavy load, which consists of people with mental disabilities. playing covers and hitting the road, a entertaining doc, showing anyone can have ambition and follow there dream

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

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Audience Member

Hilarious, moving, uplifting, entertaining, technically brilliant and full of heart. Not just a film for documentary or music lovers

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

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Audience Member

For me, it was fine, but pretty dull, especially in the first half of the movie. I did not like two things - first that it focusses on the drummer, although there are a lot of other interesting people in the band, and second - those sappy melodramadic monologues of the director. All in all, I'd say this is a decent documentary, and delivers what it promises.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This movie was a pleasant surprise. I expected to be bored; Instead I was reminded of the story of punk rock, and why being the underdog is always so much cooler.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

Full Review

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Jerry Rothwell

Director

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Synopsis

Filmmaker Jerry Rothwell follows the British punk band Heavy Load.

Director: Jerry Rothwell
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 35m